Red knots breed from June through August. Males arrive to the breeding grounds first and quickly claim their territory through song flight displays. In these displays, the male flies upward with rapid wingbeats (sometimes 900 feet high!) and slowly glides back down while emitting a “whip-ooo-mee” sound. Males also prepare three to five sites for nests, all of which they show to their mate while using a specialized call and display.
Nests are built on the ground in open tundra, not far from wetland habitat. The female ultimately selects the nest site and lines it with grasses, leaves, lichen and moss. Nest size averages about 4.7 inches (12 centimeters) wide by 1.7 inches (4.3 centimeters) deep.
Females lay three to four eggs per clutch. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs, lasting for a period of 21-23 days. Upon hatching, young are covered in downy feathers and are almost immediately able to leave the nest. Both parents initially care for the young, but the female departs before they can fly. The male will continue to care for the young until they fledge at 18 and 20 days old. It is also at this age that the chicks become independent.
Red knots can live up to 15 years.
Habitat loss and degradation, pollution, reduced food availability (such as horseshoe crab eggs), and climate change are all major threats facing red knot populations today.
While red knots are considered Near Threatened under the IUCN, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists the rufa red knot as Threatened. States located around the Delaware Bay, an important stopover location for rufa red knots, are working to provide additional protections for red knots and horseshoe crabs. For example, New Jersey bans the harvesting of horseshoe crabs in the state and lists rufa red knots as endangered.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle — in that order! Cut back on single-use goods, and find creative ways to reuse products at the end of their life cycle. Choose recycling over trash when possible.
- Organize or attend a stream, river, lake or other waterway cleanup in your area to preserve aquatic habitats for local species.
- Share the story of this animal with others. Simply raising awareness about this species can contribute to its overall protection.
- Avoid single-use plastics, such as plastic bottles, bags and utensils. Choosing reusable options instead can help reduce plastic pollution.
- Protect local waterways by using fewer pesticides when caring for your garden or lawn. Using fertilizers sparingly, keeping storm drains free of litter and picking up after your pet can also improve watershed health.