Red Knot with Head Deformity

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Red Knot
This past weekend at Fort De Soto I was very pleased to find about 40 Red Knots feeding by the shore on North Beach.  There were a few Short-billed Dowiichers mixed in with the group, and there was this strange looking shorebird--it looked like a Red Knot with feathers that were a little too light and a bump on its head. After getting home, I zoomed in on my photos, and it became clear that this bird has a growth of some sort on its head.

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Red Knot Head
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A "Normal" Red Knot

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Red Knot
I hope that this deformity is temporary that will heal over time, but it could also be a tumor.  The bird seemed to be acting normally and was not impeded by the deformity. Perhaps it will be okay.

Comments

  1. Maybe that deformity is where the bird get's its name?

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  2. Scott, I am not expert but this could have been caused by the Red Knot flying into something and with the forehead late swelling from the trauma. I hope it recovers too.

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