Temminck’s Stint (Calidris temminckii) – A Comprehensive Study

The Temminck’s Stint (Calidris temminckii) is a small migratory wader bird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. This species is known for its distinct foraging behavior, preference for freshwater habitats, and subtle but unique morphological characteristics. The bird is named after the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck.

In this document, we will explore the taxonomy, morphology, habitat, behavior, diet, breeding patterns, and its occurrence in the Sundarban ecosystem.

1. Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Scolopacidae
• Genus: Calidris
• Species: Calidris temminckii

Temminck’s Stint is closely related to the Little Stint (Calidris minuta), but it can be distinguished by its more subdued plumage and different flight call.

2. Morphological Features

Temminck’s Stint is a small-sized wader bird, usually around 13-15 cm in length with a wingspan of 34-38 cm and an average weight of 20-30 grams.

Key Identifying Features

• Plumage:
  • In breeding plumage, the upperparts are brownish-gray with fine dark streaks, while the underparts remain mostly white.
  • In non-breeding plumage, it appears more uniform gray-brown with paler underparts.
• Bill: Short, straight, and dark-colored.
• Legs: Characteristically greenish-yellow (a key distinction from the Little Stint, which has black legs).
• Eyes: Dark and alert.
• Flight Characteristics: Unlike the Little Stint, it lacks a white wing bar, making identification easier in flight.

3. Habitat & Distribution

Temminck’s Stint has a wide geographical range, spanning from the Palearctic region to South Asia.

Preferred Habitat

• Breeding Grounds:
  • Found in the tundra and taiga regions of northern Europe and Asia, often near lakes, riverbanks, and marshes.
• Wintering Grounds:
  • Migrates to South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia.
• Non-breeding Habitat:
  • Prefers mudflats, marshlands, paddy fields, estuaries, and freshwater wetlands rather than coastal shorelines.

4. Behavior & Special Adaptations

Foraging & Diet

• Diet: Primarily insects, small invertebrates, crustaceans, and worms.
• Foraging Behavior: Unlike some stints, it prefers to feed along the edges of wetlands rather than in open muddy areas.
• Movement: Walks deliberately, often pecking at food rather than making rapid, probing movements.

Breeding & Reproduction

• Breeding Season: May to July.
• Nesting:
  • Builds a simple ground nest in sparse vegetation near freshwater.
  • The female lays 3-4 eggs, and both parents share incubation duties.
• Chicks:
  • Precocial (able to walk and feed themselves soon after hatching).
  • Fledge within a few weeks.

5. Presence in the Sundarban

The Sundarban, being the largest mangrove ecosystem in the world, provides rich biodiversity and acts as an important wintering ground for several migratory shorebirds, including the Temminck’s Stint.

Status in the Sundarban

• Seasonal Visitor:
  • Typically observed from October to March, coinciding with its migration period.
• Preferred Habitat in the Sundarban:
  • Found near mudflats, riverbanks, brackish water zones, and freshwater pockets within mangrove regions.
• Feeding Grounds:
  • The Sundarban estuarine ecosystem, rich in small invertebrates, provides ample food sources for this species.

Threats in the Sundarban

• Habitat Loss:
  • Coastal erosion and mangrove degradation due to climate change and human activities pose threats to this species’ wintering grounds.
• Disturbance by Human Activities:
  • Overfishing, pollution, and increased boat traffic may lead to habitat disturbances.
• Predation Risk:
  • Vulnerable to predation by raptors, wildcats, and large waders present in the region.

Conservation Significance

Although Temminck’s Stint is categorized as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, its habitat in the Sundarban is under pressure. Ensuring wetland conservation and sustainable tourism in the region can aid in its protection.

Conclusion

The Temminck’s Stint (Calidris temminckii) is a fascinating small wader with unique ecological adaptations that allow it to thrive in various wetland environments. In the Sundarban, it serves as an indicator species for the health of estuarine and wetland ecosystems. Continued monitoring and conservation efforts are essential to ensure the sustainability of migratory bird populations within this critical habitat.

Key Takeaways

• Temminck’s Stint is a small migratory wader with distinct greenish legs and subtle plumage.
• Breeds in the Arctic regions and winters in South Asia, including India.
• Prefers freshwater and estuarine habitats, avoiding coastal shorelines.
• Observed in the Sundarban during winter, relying on its rich wetland resources.
• Threats include habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbances in the Sundarban.

Protecting wetlands and mangrove ecosystems is essential for preserving migratory birds like Temminck’s Stint, ensuring they continue to visit the Sundarban in the years to come.