Knot
Calidris canutus
Length 25cm

Non-breeding visitor to estuaries and mudflats around Britain and Ireland and present from September to April. Seen mostly in winter plumage with uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Bill black and comparatively short; legs dull yellowish. Juvenile similar but buffish and pale feather margins on back give scaly appearance. Brick red breeding plumage birds sometimes seen in spring and autumn. In winter, forms large flocks which fly in tight formation. Abundant on The Wash and spectacular roosts seen at RSPB's Snettisham reserve nearby.