Little Stint
Calidris minuta
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Little Stint is a very small wader with a length of 13-15 cm. In breeding plumage, it displays rufous-edged feathers on its upperparts, creating a scaly pattern. The underparts are white, with a faint brown wash on the breast.
Non-breeding adults have grey-brown upperparts with darker feather centres. Juveniles show a distinctive 'scalloped' back pattern with pale-edged feathers. Both sexes are similar in appearance, although females are marginally larger.
Size
Length
13cm to 15cm
Wingspan
28cm to 31cm
Weight
20g to 30g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Grey Buff
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Little Stints breed in the Arctic tundra of northern Eurasia. During migration and winter, they frequent coastal mudflats, estuaries, and shallow inland wetlands. Their range extends across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
In the UK, they are regular passage migrants, seen mainly on eastern and southern coasts during autumn, feeding with other wading birds, most usually Dunlin. Some individuals overwinter in southern England, though this is less common.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 4,500 meters
Climate zones
Arctic, Temperate, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Little Stint. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Little Stint demonstrates remarkable agility, with its rapid feeding action and ability to perform aerial displays. Its small size and quick movements contribute to its high manoeuvrability, especially during foraging and flight.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not particularly strong for its size, the Little Stint can carry its own weight during long-distance migrations. However, its diminutive stature limits its overall strength compared to larger waders.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Little Stints show impressive adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to tropical wetlands. Their ability to survive in elevations from sea level to 4,500 metres and their flexible diet further demonstrate their adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally non-aggressive, Little Stints are highly gregarious and often seen in large flocks. They don't exhibit territorial behaviour outside of breeding season, suggesting a relatively low level of aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Little Stint's endurance is exceptional, with individuals capable of flying over 4,000 km non-stop during migration. Their ability to travel vast distances and survive in harsh Arctic breeding grounds indicates remarkable stamina for their size.
Diet
Little Stints primarily feed on small invertebrates and will sometimes consume some plant material.
On breeding grounds, flying insects and their larvae and small beetles are the primary foods, especially mosquitoes and craneflies. Their diet becomes more diverse on its wintering grounds, where ants, freshwater mites, flies, beetles, parasitic wasps, leeches, small molluscs, and crustaceans are the most common foods.
Their feeding technique involves rapid pecking at the surface of mud or shallow water, often in a sewing machine-like motion.
Behaviour
Little Stints are highly gregarious, often seen in large flocks during migration and winter. They forage by rapidly picking small invertebrates from the surface of mud or shallow water. During the breeding season, males perform aerial displays, flying in circles while calling to attract females.
Vocalisation
The Little Stint's call is a high-pitched 'trit' or 'trit-trit', often given in flight. During breeding displays, males produce a repeated, buzzing 'zrr-zrr-zrr' sound. On the ground, they may give a soft, rolling 'prrrp' call when alarmed or communicating with flock members.
Nesting & Breeding
Little Stints breed in the Arctic tundra from late May to July. Males perform aerial displays to attract females, flying in circles while calling.
The nest is a shallow scrape on the ground, lined with leaves and lichen. Females typically lay 3-4 olive-green eggs with brown spots. Both parents may incubate, though females often depart early, leaving males to care for the young.
Incubation lasts about 21 days, and chicks are precocial, able to feed themselves shortly after hatching. They fledge after 14-16 days.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Although the Little Stint is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key stopover sites along migration routes and preserving Arctic breeding grounds.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them on coastal mudflats or inland wetlands during migration
- In breeding plumage on the upper back, a distinctive white V can be seen, which helps give a positive identification, even from some distance away.
- Observe their rapid feeding action, constantly picking at the mud
- Compare size with other waders - Little Stints are notably smaller
- In the UK, check estuaries and coastal lagoons in autumn for migrating birds
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include Arctic foxes, skuas, gulls, and birds of prey such as falcons and owls. Eggs and chicks are particularly vulnerable to predation.
Did You Know?
- Little Stints can fly at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph) during migration.
- They have been recorded travelling over 4,000 km (2,485 miles) non-stop during their migratory journeys.
- Despite their tiny size, some individuals live up to 15 years in the wild.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Calidris minuta. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22693379A138406063.
View source - 2 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International
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