Little Stint
| Irish Name: | Gobadáinín beag |
| Scientific name: | Calidris minuta |
| Bird Family: | Waders |
green
Conservation status
Conservation status
Status
Scarce passage migrant - occurs while on passage from northern Scandinavia and Russia between August & October.
Identification
The smallest regularly occurring wader in Ireland, mostly seen on passage from August to October. It is roughly two-thirds the size of a Dunlin, with which it often associates. Its small size, rufous tones on the upperparts contrasting with a white underparts and agitated rapid feeding action all help to identify it. It has black legs and a small pointed bill. Most of the birds occurring here are juveniles, which show a distinctive white "V" on the back - visible as the bird bends to feed. Usually seen singly or in groups of less than five.
Voice
Sharp, short, high-pitched 'stit' in flight. Song is a weak and repeated 'swee', with the occasional 'svirr-r-r'.
Diet
Feeds on invertebrates found on mudflats.
Breeding
Does not breed in Ireland. Passage birds seen in Ireland breed on the tundra of northern Siberia.
Wintering
Little Stints winter on the Mediterranean coast, as well as tropical Africa.
Monitored by
Little Stints winter predominantly on the Mediterranean coast, as well as tropical Africa.
Breeds in Lapland and Siberia.
