Little Stint
A species of Calidris Scientific name : Calidris minuta Genus : Calidris
Little Stint, A species of Calidris
Botanical name: Calidris minuta
Genus: Calidris
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Description People often ask General Info
Photo By Lip Kee Yap , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Its small size, fine dark bird, dark legs and quicker movements distinguish this species from all waders except the other dark-legged stints. It can be distinguished from these in all plumages by its combination of a fine bill tip, unwebbed toes and long primary projection. The call is a sharp "stit". The breeding adult has an orange wash to the breast, a white throat and a strong white V on its back. In winter plumage identification is difficult. Juveniles have pale crown stripes and a pinkish breast. An apparent hybrid between this species and Temminck's stint has been reported from the Netherlands.
Size
13 - 18 cm
Colors
Brown
Gray
White
Life Expectancy
9 years
Feeding Habits
Little Stint primarily consumes small invertebrates, foraging by picking them off mudflats. Adapted to such selective feeding, little Stint exhibits a preference for certain prey during different times, indicating a diet that varies seasonally.
Habitat
Little Stint predominantly inhabits the high Arctic tundra, particularly favouring dry grounds, grassy areas, and places with pools and small lakes. This species can also be found among small willow clusters and is often in proximity to salt-marshes. During migration, little Stint frequents inland freshwater environments, including lakes, rivers, and coastal mudflats, as well as seashores. In the winter, little Stint largely resides in coastal areas, utilizing estuarine mudflats, coastal lagoons, and tidal creeks for habitat. Additionally, little Stint may inhabit inland freshwater sites, such as marsh pools and paddy fields.
Dite type
Aquatic invertebrate eater
People often ask
General Info
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Photo By Lip Kee Yap , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original