KNOT 365 



The Knot, Red-breasted Snipe, or Robin Snipe, as this species has 

 been variously called, is not abundant when compared with most other 

 shore birds found in California. Indeed the infrequent records of 

 its capture might be interpreted as showing it to be a rather rare 

 species. During the first half of the last century the species was 

 present during the migrations in enormous numbers on the Atlantic 

 coast where it was, and still is, much prized as an article of food. 

 Excessive slaughter and spring shooting have reduced the species to 

 a small fraction of the numbers once present there. No such num- 

 bers were ever recorded on this coast, and it is probable that the birds 

 were never more abundant here than they are at present. In fact, 

 the keen eyes of the collectors visiting California in the days of the 

 Pacific Railroad surveys failed altogether to detect the Knot within 

 our confines. Even with the increase of observers of late years, a few 

 compact flocks and some single 

 birds are all that have been seen. 

 But continued observation along 

 the coast in suitable localities dur- 

 ing the very few days in spring 

 when the species is passing along 

 our coast will probably show it 

 to be somewhat more abundant JJi^i,!^; ^'^^ °* ^"^ °^ ^°°*- ^^*- 

 than is commonly belieVed. 



All occurrences of the Knot so far recorded for California are for 

 the seacoast. In spring it has been reported only from the shores of 

 San Francisco Bay, where specimens have been taken April 27 and 

 May 10, as noted in the small-type paragraph above. Pall records are 

 more numerous, the earliest being August 7, and the latest, October 10. 

 The fall migration may thus extend over a period of two months, which 

 indicates a tendency to loiter on the southward journey. 



From other shore birds occurring in California the Knot may be 

 distinguished by its medium size (compared with such diverse species 

 as the God wit and Snowy Plover), chunky proportions, short bill 

 (fig. 66), and short legs. In spring its bright reddish under surface 

 is an important mark of distinction. Only two other species of waders 

 of about the same size occurring in California show this type of 

 spring coloration, the Red Phalarope and the Long-billed Dowitcher. 

 From the first of these the Knot may be distinguished by its larger 

 general size and by the absence of white on the sides of its head. The 

 Red Phalarope is somewhat smaller and is usually found swimming 

 and feeding on the surface of water. The Knot is a typical shore 

 bird, and swims only under exceptional circumstances. From the 

 Long-billed Dowitcher it may be distinguished by the possession of 

 a bill which is little longer than the head. That of the Dowitcher 



