Red-kneed Dotterel
Erythrogonys cinctus
The Red-kneed Dotterel (Erythrogonys cinctus) is a uncommon plovers and lapwing found in 2 countries, weighing about 51 g. The red-kneed dotterel is a species of plover in a monotypic genus in the subfamily Vanellinae.
About the Red-kneed Dotterel
The red-kneed dotterel is a species of plover in a monotypic genus in the subfamily Vanellinae. It is often gregarious and will associate with other waders of its own and different species, even when nesting. It is nomadic and sometimes irruptive.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Adults distinctively marked: black cap or hood from bill, extending below eyes, merging at nape to grey-brown of back. White chin and throat. Broad black band on breast joining nape and also extending to flanks as chestnut stripe. Belly and vent white. Back and mantle grey-brown, mainly black upperwing with white trailing edge. Upper leg, including tarsal joint or "knee", red. Bill red with dark tip.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Red-kneed Dotterel can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Red-kneed Dotterel?
- Adults distinctively marked: black cap or hood from bill, extending below eyes, merging at nape to grey-brown of back. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Red-kneed Dotterel?
- The Red-kneed Dotterel is a small sized bird weighing about 51 g.
- Where can you see a Red-kneed Dotterel?
- The Red-kneed Dotterel occurs in 2 countries, including Australia and Papua New Guinea.
- What birds look similar to a Red-kneed Dotterel?
- The Red-kneed Dotterel is most easily confused with the Yellow-wattled Lapwing, the Grey-headed Lapwing and the River Lapwing.
- Is the Red-kneed Dotterel endangered?
- The Red-kneed Dotterel is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Red-kneed Dotterel for real
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