Sandpipers · Shorebirds
Little Stint
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Calidris minuta
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How to recognize it
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12–14 cm long
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Breeding adult: rusty-orange breast with brown streaks, strong white V on the back
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Fine dark bill, dark legs, quick movements
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Grey-brown winter plumage
About the species
In winter, the Little Stint is gray-brown overall, with a fine dark bill and dark legs. Breeding plumage brings orange across the breast, a white throat and a bold white V on the back. Juveniles have pale stripes on the crown and a pinkish breast, so its coloring changes with age and season.
It moves quickly over wet ground and gives a sharp "stit" call. In winter, it gathers with other waders, particularly Dunlins, in flocks that can grow large.
It breeds on Arctic tundra across Europe and Asia, then makes a long migration south to winter in Africa and southern Asia. Coastal mudflats, the edges of inland pools and shallow muddy shores provide feeding grounds. It picks small invertebrates from the mud, by day or night.
Where to find
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During the Arctic breeding season, the Little Stint nests in a shallow scrape on bare ground.
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In wintering areas, scan coastal mudflats for flocks picking small invertebrates from the mud.
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At the edges of inland pools in wintering areas, flocks sometimes gather with other waders.
