Is this a Little Stint?

Nicola Main · #1 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 01:19 PM

I was wondering if you kind WABs could help me with this wader? It was taken a couple of hours ago at Easthaven on the east coast of Scotland. I've looked in my Collins Bird Guide and it looks a bit Little Stintish because of the colouring. Am I right or am I wrong? Thanks in advance xxxxx

RobinP · #2 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 01:50 PM

I certainly wouldn't rule it out from these photos but difficult to be certain. These is no indication of size and it doesn't look right for any of the Sandpipers or Dunlin but I'm sure expert views will be along soon

Adam Cheeseman · #3 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 05:04 PM

All I will say for now is that the stance looks wrong for Little Stint to me in these pics. Can you crop and enlarge at all.

Cheers,

Adam

Ferret · #4 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 05:27 PM

I don’t think it’s a tint, legs and neck are to long and its whole stance looks wrong to me, as to what it is not at all sure but I think without getting the books out (the pub is calling) that I would guess at Ruff.

Ferret

Adam Cheeseman · #5 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 05:44 PM

Not a Ruff. It's got dark legs and beak. Very hard to ascertain certain markings, size, and beak length, so I will have a stab at a summer plumaged Sanderling but am willing to be shot down as I think that the stance isn't right for that and it doesn't look plump enough for a Knot. other contenders are Dunlin and Curlew Sandpiper.

Cheers,

Adam

Picidae · #6 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 06:48 PM

Hi Nicola

It's a Dunlin and shows a typical Dunlin gizz on the stance/structure.

(Several things rule out other 'contenders' that have been mentioned: Ruff can be ruled out immediately on size, leg length and plumage colouring etc. Little Stint can also be ruled out on shape - your bird has a typical Dunlin gizz to it's shape and it's far too 'necky' for a Stint. Other species can be ruled out by moult/colouring for this time of year as well as on structure. Curlew Sandpiper can be also be ruled out - they are Arctic breeders and won't be seen on passage until September or (with our own ssp - arriving to winter in UK until end of October.)

- Dunlin are still very rufous and show the white scap 'V' that can be seen in the pic.

Adam Cheeseman · #7 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 07:19 PM

Picidae to the rescue

Cheers,

Adam

acherontia · #8 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 07:44 PM

I'm impressed (as per usual) by the knowledge.
I'd've plumped for Ruff too. I've seen a few on the mere margins - that's probably why. Waders are not my forte.....

Signed,

'ashamed' of Marshside RSPB/Martin Mere WWT/NW coast.'

Acher