Temminck's Stint

The Temminck's stint, named in honor of the Dutch naturalist Coenraad Jacob Temminck, is a diminutive wader, a member of the family Scolopacidae. This bird is a dainty creature, measuring a mere 13.5–15 cm in length. It bears a resemblance to the little stint in size, yet it is distinguished by its shorter legs and more elongated wings. The plumage is generally unassuming, with predominantly brown upperparts and a white underbelly, save for a darker breast. During the breeding season, adults may exhibit a smattering of rufous feathers on the mantle, adding a touch of warmth to their otherwise muted tones. In its winter attire, the Temminck's stint could be mistaken for a minuscule common sandpiper.

Identification Tips

To identify the Temminck's stint, look for its yellow legs and the white outer tail feathers, which contrast with the little stint's darker legs and grey outer tail feathers. The bird's drab coloration can make it challenging to spot, but its distinctive feeding behavior and loud trill may give it away.

Habitat

The preferred breeding grounds of the Temminck's stint are the bogs and marshes nestled within the taiga of the Arctic regions of northern Europe and Asia. It is known to breed as far south as Scandinavia and has been occasionally observed in Scotland.

Distribution

This species is a true globe-trotter, exhibiting strong migratory patterns. It breeds in the northernmost reaches of Europe and Asia and then travels vast distances to spend the winter in the warmer freshwater locales of tropical Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and parts of Southeast Asia.

Behaviour

The Temminck's stint is a solitary bird, not often seen in large congregations like other members of the Calidris genus. It has a unique breeding strategy where males and females incubate separate clutches of eggs, often in different locations. The male establishes a territory, mates, and then may take over incubation duties for the first clutch while the female lays a second clutch elsewhere. This intriguing system allows for a spread of parental investment and potentially increases reproductive success.

Song & Calls

The vocalization of the Temminck's stint is a distinctive and loud trill, which can be heard during its breeding season.

Breeding

The breeding habitat of the Temminck's stint is characterized by its hovering display flight over bogs and marshes. The nest is a simple scrape on the ground where 3–4 eggs are laid. The species' unique breeding system involves separate clutches incubated by males and females, often leading to complex patterns of mating and parental care.

Diet and Feeding

The Temminck's stint forages in soft, vegetated mud, primarily using sight to pick up food. It exhibits a mouse-like feeding behavior, creeping along the edges of pools in search of insects and other small invertebrates.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Temminck's stint as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers on a global scale.