The Little Stint (Calidris minuta) is a remarkable member of the sandpiper family. As one of the smallest waders in the world, it is celebrated for its incredible endurance, traveling thousands of miles during migration between the Arctic and its wintering grounds.

Measuring only 13-15 cm in length, the Little Stint is a tiny bird with a fine, short black bill and dark legs. During the breeding season, its upperparts are adorned with bright reddish-brown feathers with dark centers. In the winter, it transitions to a more subtle pale grey and white plumage, making it a challenge to distinguish from other small sandpipers.

The Little Stint breeds in the Arctic tundra of northern Europe and Asia. During the non-breeding season, it occupies a variety of wetlands, coastal lagoons, salt pans, and muddy estuaries across Africa, the Mediterranean, and South Asia.

This species primarily feeds on small invertebrates. Its diet includes insects, larvae, small crustaceans, and mollusks, which it finds by rapidly pecking at the surface of moist mud or shallow water.

Breeding occurs in the high Arctic. The nest is a shallow scrape on the ground, usually hidden among low vegetation. A unique aspect of their breeding biology is that some females may lay two separate clutches of eggs; one is incubated by the male, while the female incubates the second clutch herself.

Little Stints are highly gregarious birds, often forming large, dense flocks during migration and winter. They are known for their energetic foraging behavior, moving quickly across mudflats with a characteristic 'stitching' motion of their bills.

The Little Stint is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, like many migratory shorebirds, it remains vulnerable to the loss of critical stopover habitats and the effects of climate change on its Arctic breeding grounds.

1. The Little Stint is one of the smallest shorebirds in the Calidris genus.
2. Despite its small size, it can fly non-stop for hundreds of miles during its annual migration.
3. It is often referred to as a 'peep' in North American birding terminology due to its small size and vocalizations.
4. Their flight is swift and erratic, often twisting and turning in unison with the rest of the flock.

To spot a Little Stint, visit muddy coastal wetlands or inland salt marshes during the autumn migration peaks. Look for a bird that is significantly smaller than a Dunlin. Using a spotting scope is highly recommended to observe the fine details of its bill and leg color, which help distinguish it from the similar Red-necked Stint.

The Little Stint (Calidris minuta) is a tiny but mighty traveler of the avian world. Its presence in our wetlands is a seasonal highlight for birders and serves as a vital indicator of the health of global migratory corridors.