Red-kneed dotterel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red-kneed dotterel |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Erythrogonys
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| Species: |
cinctus
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The red-kneed dotterel (Erythrogonys cinctus) is a unique type of plover bird. It is the only species in its special group, called a monotypic genus. These birds often like to be in groups with other birds, even when they are building their nests. They travel a lot and do not stay in one place. Sometimes, many of them move together in a big group.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
Adult red-kneed dotterels have very clear markings. They have a black cap or hood that starts at their beak and goes past their eyes. This black color blends into a grey-brown color on their back. Their chin and throat are white.
They have a wide black band across their chest. This band connects to the black on their neck and also goes down their sides as a chestnut-colored stripe. Their belly and the area under their tail are white. Their back is grey-brown, and their upper wings are mostly black with a white edge.
One of their most special features is their legs. The upper part of their leg, including the joint that looks like a "knee," is bright red! Their beak is also red with a dark tip.
Where Does It Live?
The red-kneed dotterel is originally from Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. Sometimes, these birds fly to other places like Tasmania, Palau, and New Zealand, but they do not usually live there.
Where Does It Like to Live?
These birds mostly live near the edges of shallow wetlands. They prefer places with fresh water that might dry up sometimes (called ephemeral wetlands) or places that always have water. They can sometimes be found near salty wetlands, but they rarely live near wetlands where the water changes with the ocean tides.
How Big Is It?
The red-kneed dotterel is a medium-sized bird with long legs. It is about 17–20 centimetres (6.7–7.9 in) long. Its wingspan, which is how wide its wings are when spread out, is about 33–38 centimetres (13–15 in). These birds usually weigh between 40–55 grams (1.4–1.9 oz).
What Does It Eat?
The red-kneed dotterel eats many different small creatures. Its diet includes:
- Insects and spiders (called Arthropods)
- Snails and slugs (called molluscs)
- Worms (called annelids)
- Seeds from plants
Life Cycle: How Does It Reproduce?
Red-kneed dotterels usually lay their eggs between October and January. However, they can nest in other months if there is enough water in their habitat. They build their nests on the ground, usually near the edges of wetlands. Sometimes, they even use nests that other birds, like hoary-headed grebes, have left behind.
A female red-kneed dotterel typically lays four cream-colored eggs. These eggs are covered with many lines, speckles, or blotches. When the young birds hatch, they are very developed. They can move around and feed themselves almost right away. This means they are precocial and nidifugous.
Is It in Danger?
The red-kneed dotterel lives in a very large area, and there is no sign that their numbers are going down. Because of this, experts believe that this species is not in danger. Its conservation status is listed as "Least Concern."
- Marchant, S.; Higgins, P.J.; & Davies, J.N. (eds). (1994). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings. Oxford University Press: Melbourne. ISBN: 0-19-553069-1
- National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife. (1987). The Shorebirds of Australia. Angus & Robertson: Sydney. ISBN: 0-207-15348-5
Images for kids
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A young bird changing its feathers.
See also
In Spanish: Chorlito pechinegro para niños
