Little Stint
Calidris minuta
Overview
The Little Stint is Britain's smallest wader — a tiny bundle of energy that tirelessly picks invertebrates from the surface of mud and sand. Juveniles in fresh autumn plumage are beautifully marked with orange-buff tones and white 'braces' (pale lines on the back forming a V). At Marshside they appear on the scrape in autumn, usually in very small numbers with Dunlin. Watching them beside a Dunlin for scale makes their tiny size immediately apparent.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Habitat | Coastal scrape · Tidal mudflat · Sandy pool edge |
| Diet | Tiny invertebrates — picks from surface of mud |
| UK population | Passage only; scarce — typically hundreds in autumn |
| Sefton Coast | Occasional autumn visitor to Marshside scrape; usually 1–5 birds |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB scrape. Occurs in small numbers with Dunlin in autumn.
Identification
Tiny — much smaller than Dunlin. Short straight bill. Autumn juvenile: orange-buff head and breast, white supercilia forming a split above bill, white 'braces' on back. Straight bill. Fast, nervous movement.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Check the Marshside scrape margins carefully in August and September. Tiny birds running rapidly along the waterline are likely Little Stints. Bring a telescope.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How small is a Little Stint?
The Little Stint is the UK's smallest wader — roughly the size of a House Sparrow, weighing only 20–35 grams. Placed beside a Dunlin (already a small wader), the difference is striking. Despite their tiny size, Little Stints undertake one of the longest migrations of any wader, breeding in Arctic Russia and wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.