KNOT 309 
Allied Species and Representative Forms.—The Western 
American species, found about Behring Sea and Alaska, 
is T. couesi, while T. ptilocnemis is found inhabiting the 
Pribilof Islands (Saunders). 
KNOT .2—Tringa canutus (Linneus). 
Coloured Figures.—Gould, ‘Birds of Great Britain,’ vol. iv, pl. 
65; Dresser, ‘Birds of Europe,’ vol. vin, pls. 555, 556; 
Lilford, ‘ Coloured Figures,’ vol. v, pls. 40, 41. 
In autumn (as early as the first week in August), con- 
siderable numbers of immature Knots arrive from northern 
latitudes on our shores. Adults appear later, and by October 
the species is plentifully distributed along tidal estuaries 
and those parts of the coast where large sand- and ooze- 
tracts are prevalent. In winter a diminution in numbers 
is perceptible in some places, and except at midsummer 
the Knot is common over the greater part of the British 
coast. Along the west of Scotland and in the Hebrides its 
numbers are rather limited. 
In spring, migrants travelling northward touch upon 
our shores. During the month of May, birds in nuptial 
plumage may be seen on the east coast of England; but 
on the Irish coast, though many appear in spring, they are 
very exceptionally obtained,’ or even observed, in nuptial 
garb. It is interesting to note that Mr. R. Warren has 
observed several as late as June on the Mayo coast, but 
as they were not in nuptial plumage it is more than prob- 
able that they were immature. The Knot is essentially a 
shore-bird ; in exceptional cases specimens have been taken 
‘It seems doubtful as to how the Knot received its name. Camden, 
as long ago as 1607, and Drayton, in 1622, connected the name with that 
of King Canute (the abbreviated form being Cnut), it being supposed 
that this bird was a favourite dish in the time of the Royal Dane, or 
from the bird’s habit of treading the margin of the water, this being 
connected with the legend of Canute placing himself at the water’s 
edge and commanding the tide not to advance. The other and more 
probable origin is from the bird’s ecall-note, which resembles the word 
Knot, repeatedly uttered. 
*Mr. R. KR. Leeper writes me that he obtained a fine specimen in full 
nuptial plumage in May, 1902, from co. Mayo. 
