The RSPB: Temminck's stint

Temminck's stint

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Latin name

Calidris temminckii

Family

Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)

Overview

This tiny wader occurs mainly by freshwater marshes, pools and lakes in the UK, although it also visits creeks and lagoons in estuaries. It breeds mostly in the Arctic and is rare in this country. Two or three birds nest at a secret location in the Scottish Highlands, and fewer than 100 birds are seen on migration each year, largely in eastern England.

Where to see them

On passage most likely seen around freshwater pools and lakes.

When to see them

It passes through the UK between May and mid-June and again between the end of July and October; most birds are seen here in May.

What they eat

Insects and larvae, worms, crustaceans and molluscs.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
85,000-420,000 pairs (including Russia)	1-4 pairs	-	100 birds

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

In the UK: Scotland (breeding) and eastern England (passage)
In Europe: Northern Scandinavia (summer) and Mediterranean (winter)
Worldwide: Europe, Africa and Asia

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)