Species Profile
Little Stint
Calidris minuta
Little Stint
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
5–10 years
Length
13–15 cm
Weight
20–30 g
Wingspan
28–31 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Little Sandpiper
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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.
Elevation
Sea level to 4,500 meters
Additional Details
- 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.
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
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.
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