High in the mountains of Costa Rica, our secluded retreat offers tranquility and stunning views. But did you know that Costa Rica also boasts an incredible diversity of birds? Even for a brief period each year, our coasts receive a special visitor: the Red Knot.

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This medium-sized shorebird, with a name that perfectly describes its most distinctive feature, is not a permanent resident. It graces our Pacific and Caribbean coasts during its remarkable migratory journey. So, if you’re lucky enough to visit us during the winter months (November to April), keep an eye out for this fascinating traveling bird.

A Master of Marks

The Red Knot is a visual delight. While its back may appear brown or gray depending on the season, it’s the underside where the magic happens. Unlike its smaller shorebird cousins, the Red Knot sports a chest with a striking pattern. Imagine an impeccably mottled brown vest that abruptly ends in a bright white belly. This marked contrast gives it its name: a true pectoral masterpiece!

Spotting the Red Knot

While the Red Knot may visit both coasts, it prefers marshes, estuaries, and shallow wetlands. So, if you venture on a coastal excursion during its migration season, here are some tips to spot it:

• Observe its size: Compared to smaller shorebirds, the Red Knot has a more robust build and a longer, slightly downward-curved bill.
• Notice its movement: These shorebirds are constantly on the move, probing the marshes with their bill in search of their favorite food: small invertebrates.
• Listen to its calls: Their calls are described as sharp whistles or short, buzzing trills.

A Glimpse of a Long Journey

The Red Knot’s visit to Costa Rica is just a stopover on an epic migratory journey. It breeds in the far north, across the vast Arctic tundra of Alaska and Canada. As winter arrives, it embarks on a long flight south, with some traveling as far as South America and Oceania!

Spotting a Red Knot here in Costa Rica is a wonderful reminder of our planet’s interconnectedness. These incredible birds undertake a remarkable journey and, for a short period, grace our shores with their unique beauty. So, next time you’re on the coast during the winter months, keep an eye out for the Red Knot. Spotting this feathered adventurer will surely be a memorable moment of your Costa Rican experience.

Para obtener más información, consulte nuestra guía completa sobre las aves de Costa Rica.