Temminck’s Stint

Identification

Temminck's stint is one of the smallest waders, measuring just 13.5–15 cm in length. At first glance, it resembles the little stint, but several field marks distinguish it: Temminck's has noticeably shorter legs and longer wings than its relative, with dull yellowish or brown legs rather than black. The outer tail feathers are white, contrasting with the little stint's grey outer tail feathers. Overall, this is a rather drab wader with plain brown upperparts and head, though breeding adults show some brighter rufous and blackish mantle feathers that break up the uniform appearance. In winter plumage, it becomes a tiny, dull grey to greenish-grey version of a common sandpiper, white below with a greyish upper breast. The bird's loud, distinctive trill call can aid identification in the field.

Range & Habitat

Temminck's stint is native to the Old World, breeding across Arctic northern Europe and Asia from southern Scandinavia and occasionally Scotland, east right across northern Russia to the Chukotski Peninsula. Its breeding habitat consists of bogs and marshes within the taiga zone. Being strongly migratory, the species abandons these northern regions each winter, migrating to freshwater sites in tropical Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of Southeast Asia, making it subject to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

Behaviour & Diet

Temminck's stint has a notably distinctive breeding system in which males and females incubate separate clutches, typically in different locations. Males establish small territories and mate with females who lay first clutches; females then move to second territories and second mates, incubating their second clutches independently. Meanwhile, first males may mate with incoming second females. This unusual arrangement means a single male may end up incubating his first mate's clutch alone. During display, the species performs a distinctive hovering flight. The birds nest in simple ground scrapes and lay 3–4 eggs.

When foraging, Temminck's stints creep steadily along pool edges in soft mud with some vegetation, picking up food mainly by sight. They feed primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. Unlike many other sandpipers, they are not particularly gregarious and rarely form large flocks.

Best Time & Places to See It

To observe Temminck's stints in their breeding habitat, visit Arctic bogs and marshes in northern Scandinavia or Russia during the breeding season. In winter, seek them at freshwater sites across tropical Africa, the Indian subcontinent, or Southeast Asia, where migrants concentrate. The species' preference for soft, muddy pool edges and its tendency to forage singly or in small groups means patience and careful observation are rewarded.

Photography Tips

Photograph Temminck's stints in soft morning or evening light to capture the subtle grey and brown tones of their plumage. When shooting breeding birds, focus on the distinctive hovering display flight, which offers dramatic opportunities. The birds' characteristic creeping behaviour along pool edges makes for engaging action shots; use a fast shutter speed to freeze their movement. Their small size and drab colouration mean they blend into muddy surroundings, so look for their white outer tail feathers and pale legs as identification aids in the viewfinder.