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Red-kneed Dotterel

(Erythrogonys cinctus)
Alternative names: "Sandpiper"
Size: 17-19 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Red-kneed Dotterels usually populate the eastern half of the Australian continent, with the exception of Tasmania, and the western half of WA. However, they are well-adapted to life in the semi-arid and arid interior of the continent. After substantial inland rain they can disperse over the entire continent.

Red-kneed Dotterels can be found in the shallows of various types of aquatic habitats (both freshwater and saline) and along the edges of swamps.

Sightings

Red-kneed Dotterels were first spotted by us on the fringes of Narrabri lake in September 2007. Seen again in the same location in September 2008.

A pair of birds was also spotted at Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve in April 2011.

They usually run around the water's edge searching for food. They are quite hard to approach, because always out in open terrain.

Photos

Frontal view of a Red-kneed Dotterel

Close-up lateral view of a Red-kneed Dotterel

Pair of Red-kneed Dotterels

Immature Red-kneed Dotterel

These pages are largely based on our own observations. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.