Little Stint (Calidris minuta)

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**Little Stint (Calidris minuta) – A Comprehensive Study**

Taxonomy & Classification

Scientific Name: Calidris minuta
Common Name: Little Stint
Family: Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and allies)
Order: Charadriiformes
Class: Aves
Phylum: Chordata

The Little Stint belongs to the Scolopacidae family, which includes other small waders and sandpipers. It is closely related to other Calidris species such as the Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis) and Temminck’s Stint (Calidris temminckii).

Morphology & Physical Characteristics

Size: Very small shorebird, measuring 13–15 cm in length.
Wingspan: Around 26–30 cm.
Weight: Generally 20–30 grams.
Plumage:
- Breeding Plumage: Reddish-brown upperparts with black streaks and a whitish belly.
- Non-Breeding Plumage: Pale grayish-brown upperparts with a white belly, making them harder to distinguish from other small waders.
Beak: Short, fine, and black in color.
Legs: Black, thin, and proportionally long compared to its body size.
Eyes: Dark and round, providing keen vision for foraging.

Habitat & Distribution

Global Range

The Little Stint breeds in the Arctic tundra regions of northern Europe and Siberia. During the non-breeding season, it migrates southward to Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and coastal regions of India.

Presence in India

In India, the Little Stint is commonly found in coastal wetlands, mudflats, salt pans, and estuaries. It is a significant migratory bird and can be observed in various wetland regions, including the Sundarban Delta.

Special Features & Behavior

Migratory Behavior:
- This species is a long-distance migrant, traveling thousands of kilometers from its Arctic breeding grounds to warmer regions during winter.
- Migration routes cover Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it one of the most widespread small waders.
Feeding Habits:
- Primarily insectivorous during the breeding season, consuming small invertebrates, larvae, and aquatic insects.
- During migration and wintering, it shifts to omnivorous feeding, including small crustaceans, mollusks, and algae.
- Foraging behavior includes probing the mud with its beak and making quick movements in shallow water.
Breeding & Nesting:
- Breeds in Arctic tundra regions with scraped nests on the ground, lined with grass and moss.
- Lays 3-4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents.
- Chicks hatch within 20–21 days and are precocial (capable of moving and feeding themselves shortly after birth).
Vocalization:
- Soft, high-pitched “tsee” calls, often heard during flight or foraging.
- Less vocal during wintering compared to the breeding season.

Little Stint in the Sundarban Biosphere

Presence in Sundarban

The Sundarban is an essential wintering ground for the Little Stint, as it provides vast mudflats, intertidal zones, and estuarine wetlands rich in food resources. The bird is often seen in flocks, mingling with other small waders such as Kentish Plovers, Lesser Sand Plovers, and Dunlins.

Importance of Sundarban as a Habitat

Abundant Food Sources: The unique ecosystem of the Sundarban provides a diverse diet, including small crustaceans, mollusks, and organic matter from the estuarine mudflats.
Safe Roosting Grounds: The mangrove ecosystem offers secure resting areas, protecting the birds from predators and human disturbances.
Climate Buffer: Being a coastal wetland, the Sundarban plays a crucial role in buffering climate fluctuations, which is beneficial for migratory birds.

Threats in the Sundarban

Habitat Destruction: Coastal development, deforestation, and wetland degradation pose serious threats to the foraging and resting sites of Little Stint.
Climate Change: Rising sea levels and increasing salinity due to climate change may impact mudflat ecosystems, reducing suitable habitats for migratory birds.
Disturbance by Humans: Fishing activities, boat traffic, and tourism pressure in certain parts of the Sundarban can disturb feeding and resting flocks.

Conservation Status & Efforts

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC), but local populations are vulnerable due to habitat loss and climate change.
Conservation Measures:
- Protection of wetland ecosystems under the Ramsar Convention.
- Strict conservation policies in the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve to prevent habitat destruction.
- Awareness programs to promote sustainable tourism and reduce disturbance in sensitive bird habitats.

Conclusion

The Little Stint (Calidris minuta) is a remarkable small wader that plays a crucial role in the wetland ecosystem. As a long-distance migratory bird, it relies heavily on the Sundarban and other Indian wetlands during the winter season. However, threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, and human disturbances necessitate strong conservation efforts to ensure the survival of this species in the region.

By protecting key wetland habitats like the Sundarban, we can safeguard not only the Little Stint but also numerous other migratory and resident bird species essential for ecological balance.

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