This web page uses its own cookies and the third-party cookies to collect the information which help us make the service as good as possible. By no means is our intention to use it for gathering personal data.

Cookies policy

Birds

Birds

Common name Little stint
Scientific name Calidris minuta
Type Waterbirds
Status Migrator

Small wader bird (about 15 cm or 6 in), with a short, straight and black bill. Black legs. Whitish underparts and greyish upperparts in winter. In spring the plumage is brown toned with a white mottling on the back; orange head with pale eyebrow; striated, orange breast and white underparts. Adults exhibit in spring two white lines on the anterior part of the back in the shaped of a V. In flight the bird presents a thin white wing band and the rump crossed by a wide longitudinal dark band.

Habitats

Wetlands

Where it lives

Species of coastal areas near the Arctic. This stint prefers coastal marshes and grasslands although it also inhabits continental water bodies. During its migratory and wintering passages it is usually more coastal.

How it lives

Bird present in the province only during its migratory passages. The Little Stint breeds at the end of June. Nest on the ground. One laying of 3 to 4 eggs. It feeds on aquatic invertebrates on the shores at low tide.

Where it can be seen in Malaga

It is a frequent species during both migratory passages in the province of Malaga. It can be observed in the inland lagoons, such as Fuente de Piedra or Campillos, and in the mouths of the Guadalhorce and Vélez rivers. Also in fluvial channels of the Costa del Sol, such as the Guadalmansa river.

Curious facts

It is the smallest species of Calidris (typically sandpipers) present in the province. Its Latin name ("minuta") indicates it. For comparative purposes it is similar in size to a sparrow or a tit. The most common Calidris species has a slightly larger size, around 20 cm (or 8 in).

Routes where it can be observed
Present
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wintering Summer Resident Migration