Red knot  (Calidris canutus)

The red knot has a more conspicuous plumage during the breeding season than in the winter months. The bill is long, thick, straight and black, and the legs are black or dull green. Throughout the winter, the upperparts are pale grey with blackish primaries and a white stripe across the wing. The head is grey, with white areas above the eye and on the throat. The breast and tail are pale grey, but the flanks, belly and undertail feathers are white. However, during the breeding season the head becomes reddish with brownish mottling on the forehead, crown and back of the neck. The underparts also become red, and the tail develops a dark grey-brown stripe. Juveniles are varying shades of grey with dark edgings on the feathers, a white stripe across the wings and dark grey primaries (2) (5). Following migration the usually plump body is considerably leaner (6).