Red-kneed Dotterel

1. Black hood and breast-band contrasting with white throat.

2. Pinkish-red upper legs paired with gray lower legs.

3. Quick head-bobbing movements before rushing forward when foraging.

These birds feed opportunistically on insects, spiders, molluscs, and seeds by stirring mud with their feet or darting along wetland edges. Breeding occurs when water conditions are favourable; nests are shallow scrapes near water, often sheltered by vegetation. Both parents incubate eggs, and chicks can swim immediately after hatchinga vital survival adaptation in wetland habitats.

Red-kneed Dotterels inhabit muddy edges of freshwater wetlands such as swamps, lakes, dams, and billabongs across Australia. They are often seen swimming in deeper wateran unusual trait for shorebirdsand may submerge their heads while feeding. Their sharp "wit-wit" call often reveals their presence before they are spotted.