Little Stint
Calidris minuta
Wetlands. Small shorebird. Non-breeding plumage sandy-brown above; feathers edged white; below white; short black bill and black legs
Allied Waders, Sandpipers
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common summer visitor. A tiny, active wader. Extremely similar to [Red-necked Stint], differing in slightly longer, more slender bill and more heavily blotched, but smaller and differing upper parts (dark feather centres). Well-worn plumage may appear paler, so bill shape is the best guide. Utters a sharp ‘chit’ or rapid ‘chit-chit-chit…’. Occurs singly, in small flocks or occasionally in large numbers at coastal estuaries and lagoons and various inland waters. Feeds on shorelines and in shallows with hunched, head-down posture.
Quick Facts
Size
14 cm - S
Names
A: Kleinstrandloper
Z: unothwayizana
Ss: Tsititsiti
G: Zwergstrandläufer
Bird Family
A group of small birds usually found along shorelines and wading in shallow water. They usually have longish legs and bills for probing mud, feeding on small insects and invertebrates. Species breed in northern regions and during this time the males assume richly coloured plumage. They migrate south in drab non-breeding plumage at the start of the southern hemisphere summer. Illustrations depict the species in non-breeding plumage, unless otherwise indicated.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Occurs singly, in small 'flocks' or occasionally in large numbers at coastal estuaries and lagoons and various inland waters. Feeds on shorelines and in shallows with hunched, head-down posture.
