This was taken last week on Sanibel Island, Florida. I'm wondering if it might be a White-rumped Sandpiper but I'm poor at peep ID, and it was on a sandy beach rather than mudflats. What characteristics would be the telling factors? When he flew he showed a light rump patch but it seemed grey rather than white. I didn't notice wing markings. Color in this image may be just a bit warmer than reality. All help appreciated.
This is a Red Knot, a fairly worn adult. The bird overall is much larger than any peep, and has an overall chunky-bodied look that is enhanded by the medium length thick-based bill and the relatively short tail and primary extension. White-rump would be smaller, with a thinner based bill (often with a slightly pale base to the lower mandible, and with very long wings that extend well past the tail tip, creating a very slender appearance.
Thank you Chris. Red Knot had been one of my guesses -- the bird did strike me as larger than an average peep -- but I was thrown off by Sibley's mention of "dull yellowish legs" whereas this guy's legs seemed almost black. I've reposted the image here with a color balance that I think is more like the actual. I'll re-label my files to Red Knot. I appreciate the help.
I agree with the ID,but have never seen a Red Knot with lags anywhere near this dark. I only get to see a few Red Knot each year in Newfoundland so I have somewhat limited experience with the species. I would be interested in a link to a photo of another black legged Red Knot.
PS: sometimes of course legs can appear darl due to staining from mud,but I don;t tihnk that's the case here. Also,many times yellow legged birds can have live green legs,but rarely this dark...Interesting.
Dave, I took a half-dozen shots of this bird, but I believe all were of the same individual, and all show the same almost-black legs. Here's another view. Perhaps someone else can help with a link to another Red Knot.
Just did a google search of Red Knot and found loads of images with dark legs.They all seem to be adults in breeding plumage. We almost never see alternate plumaged Red Knots in Newfoundland but I'm embarassed I never realized how dark their legs could be. Perhaps adults are much more likely than young birds to show dark legs?
Dave Brown
speaking of being embarassed- sorry about all the typos in my last reply- that's what I get for typing in virtual darkness and not proof reading before posting :)
Yep, youngsters have the yellowish legs, and they get darker with age. If you have a look at flock of knots moulting into breeding plumage the difference in leg colour between the immatures that are not moulting, and the adults that are, can be striking.
I agree a red knot, and the legs threw me off as well. I've included an image I took last year of a non-breeding plumage bird, with yellow legs, but the bill(the best clue) and other plumage details are very similar. regards~Bill
Bill, Your bird is not in non-breeding plumage. It is a killer fresh juvenile that I am quite envious of. Note the fringes and black sub-terminal lines on each upperparts feather. Wow, what a bird. Non-breeding plumage features pretty much plain grey feathers.....
Last edited by WIlliam Maroldo; 12-08-2009 at 11:59 PM.
I agree with others that Red Knot's legs are usually greenish, are palest in juveniles & darkest in breeding adults.
However, information on black legged RK is surprisingly hard to find in print. It is mentioned in 'The Birds of the Western Palearctic' published 1983, but not in any subsequent shorebird guide until 'Shorebirds of North America' published in 2005!:confused:
Black leg colouring is not confined to any particular race, as there are images from both America & Europe. Maybe I will have to take more notice of the local birds in future. :)
Peep ID help?
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote