Red-kneed Dotterel
Erythrogonys cinctus· 鸻科(2 photos)
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Red-kneed Dotterel
17-19 cm. Black 'hangman's' hood and breastband enclose pure white throat and bib; fine white line separates wing from chestnut flank mark. Bill dull red tipped blackish; upper leg dull red, lower dark blue-grey. Immature: brown above, plain white below, with white collar; later gains brownish breastband. Singles, pairs, parties, occasional widespread companies: typically feeds in water, wading to full length of legs; swims, submerges head; bobs head, stands tall. In flight, note strong contrast of black plumage with white throat and wing linings; broad white trailing edge and white-edged tail; feet extend well beyond tail tip.
- Voice
- high-pitched 'chet chet', running to a musical trill in flight.
- Habitat
- shallow freshwater wetlands; claypans, floodwaters, sewage ponds (especially those with small shrubs), tussocks, rushes, lignum. Also brackish waters, salt swamps; seldom tidal.
- Breeding
- Oct.-Jan., but any month when water conditions are suitable.
- Nest
- a scrape, or well-constructed cup of twigs, plant stems; in or near water, under shrub or tussock.
- Eggs
- 4; stone-coloured, with dense wavy streaks and blotches of black and dark brown.
- Range & Status
- throughout mainland Aust. in suitable habitat; regular in Murray-Darling basin. Visits coastal areas mostly during dry periods inland; may remain to breed. Nomadic; irruptive. Vagrant Tas. and NZ. Also s. PNG.
