Appearance
Its small size, fine dark bill, dark legs and quicker movements distinguish this species from all waders except the other dark-legged stints. It can be distinguished from these in all plumages by its combination of a fine bill tip, unwebbed toes and long primary projection. The call is a sharp "stit".The breeding adult has an orange wash to the breast, a white throat and a strong white V on its back. In winter plumage identification is difficult. Juveniles have pale crown stripes and a pinkish breast.
Naming
The genus name is from Ancient Greek "kalidris" or "skalidris", a term used by Aristotle for some grey-coloured waterside birds. The specific "minuta" is Latin for "small.
Distribution
The numbers of this species depend on the population of lemmings. In poor lemming years, predatory species such as skuas and snowy owls take Arctic-breeding waders instead.It is gregarious in winter, sometimes forming large flocks with other "Calidris" waders, particularly dunlin, on coastal mudflats or the edges of inland pools.
The little stint is one of the species to which the "Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds" applies.
Food
Food is small invertebrates picked off the mud.
Defense
This bird nests on a scrape in bare ground, laying 3–5 eggs. It is polygamous, and male and female may incubate separate clutches.References:
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