Convervation status: Red

Latin name

Calidris temminckii

Family

Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)

Overview

This is a tiny, greyish-brown wading bird with a white belly. The bill is short and used for probing into muddy shorelines.

Where to see them

Temminck's stints occur mainly by freshwater marshes, pools and lakes in the UK, although they also visit creeks and lagoons in estuaries. The species breeds mostly in the Arctic and is rare in this country, breeding at a few secret sites in Scotland.

When to see them

Temminck's stints pass 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

EuropeUK 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.

1 illustration

Temminck's stint

Temminck's stint

Similar birds

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