Skip to main content

Possible online services disruption due to Internet related outage

A worldwide technology outage is causing disruption to some State of Illinois online systems.  We are aware of this issue and are diligently working on restoration.

Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

red knot

red knot (Calidris canutus) [Illinois and federally threatened]
Photo © briansmallphoto.com

Features and Behaviors

FEATURES
The red knot is about 10 and one-half inches long (bill tip to tail tip in preserved specimens). It has a plump body shape. In spring, these birds have orange-red feathers on the ventral side and face, and the back feathers are a mix of black, rust-red and gray. The bill is short and straight. The legs are short and green-yellow. In fall, the feathers are mainly light gray, with some dark markings on the white, ventral feathers.

BEHAVIORS
The red knot feeds by probing mud for aquatic invertebrates. This species nests in the Arctic and winters from the southern United States to southern South America. Spring migrants start arriving in Illinois in May. Fall migrants begin passing through Illinois in July. A subspecies of this bird, Calidris canutus rufa, is listed as threatened in Illinois and federally.

Illinois Range

Taxonomy

​Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae

Illinois Status: state and federally threatened