Temminck's Stint

(Calidris temminckii)

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.

Temmincks Stint breeds on flat ground with short vegetation such as grasses and crowberry. On migration, it usually occurs around the edges of freshwater lakes, pools and marshes, although it sometimes visits creeks and lagoons in estuaries. Its main food consists of insects and larvae, worms, crustaceans and molluscs. 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.

Its call is a short, rising trill; the song is a rising and falling tinkling trill.

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