Little Stint

Overview

The little stint (Calidris minuta) is a very small wader that breeds in arctic Europe and Asia and winters as far south as Africa and South Asia. It is a long-distance migrant and occasionally appears as a vagrant in North America and Australia.

Identification

• Very small in size with a fine dark bill and dark legs, moving more quickly than other waders.
• Distinguished by its combination of a fine bill tip, unwebbed toes, and a long primary projection.
• Breeding adults feature an orange wash to the breast, a white throat, and a strong white V on the back, while winter plumage is difficult to identify.
• Emits a sharp "stit" call.

Habitat

Breeds in the arctic regions of Europe and Asia, preferring to nest in low-lying areas within grassy tundra near wetlands. It winters gregariously on coastal mudflats or the edges of inland pools, sometimes forming large flocks with other Calidris waders such as dunlin.

Diet

Feeds on small invertebrates picked off the mud. During the summer in the High Arctic, growing chicks rely heavily on Diptera, particularly Chironomidae, which make up nearly half of their diet.

Did you know?

The little stint is polygamous, and both males and females may incubate separate clutches. Its population numbers are also linked to lemming cycles, as in poor lemming years, predators such as skuas and snowy owls switch to preying on Arctic-breeding waders.