Ecological Importance of the Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii) as a Representative Migratory Shorebird of Odisha Wetlands
Abstract
The Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii) is one of the smallest migratory shorebirds of the family Scolopacidae, widely distributed across the Palearctic region during the breeding season and wintering throughout Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Despite its inconspicuous appearance, this species plays a significant ecological role in freshwater marshes, mudflats, estuaries, and coastal wetlands by regulating populations of aquatic invertebrates and serving as a reliable bioindicator of healthy wetland ecosystems. During the non-breeding season, Temminck's Stints regularly migrate to India, where they occur in important wetland complexes such as Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika National Park, Mangalajodi, Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, and numerous inland freshwater wetlands of Odisha.
The bird shown in the accompanying photograph is consistent with a Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii), based on its small size, olive-green legs, fine slightly decurved bill, plain grey-brown upperparts, white underparts, and characteristic foraging behaviour on exposed mudflats. The species undertakes remarkable annual migrations spanning thousands of kilometres along the Central Asian Flyway, making it an important component of global migratory bird conservation. This article discusses the taxonomy, identification, morphology, ecology, distribution, migration, breeding biology, ecological importance, conservation status, and significance of the Temminck's Stint within Odisha's wetlands. The article further emphasizes the importance of conserving wetlands that sustain migratory shorebirds and the diverse aquatic biodiversity associated with these ecosystems (BirdLife International, 2024; Wetlands International, 2023).
1. Introduction
Wetlands are among the world's most productive ecosystems, providing essential ecological services such as water purification, groundwater recharge, flood regulation, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity conservation (Mitsch & Gosselink, 2015). These ecosystems support a remarkable diversity of aquatic plants, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, mammals, and birds. For migratory waterbirds, wetlands function as indispensable feeding, resting, and wintering habitats during their annual journeys.
India occupies a strategic position along the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), one of the world's major migratory bird routes connecting breeding grounds in northern Europe and Asia with wintering areas in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. More than 350 species of migratory birds utilize this flyway, making Indian wetlands internationally significant for bird conservation (Wetlands International, 2023).
Among these migratory birds, the Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii) is a small but ecologically important shorebird. Although often overlooked because of its modest plumage and diminutive size, the species undertakes one of the most remarkable long-distance migrations among shorebirds, travelling annually from Arctic breeding grounds to tropical and subtropical wetlands thousands of kilometres away (Hayman et al., 1986).
Odisha possesses one of India's richest networks of wetlands, including Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika National Park, Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, Mangalajodi Wetlands, Ansupa Lake, and numerous estuarine mudflats. These wetlands provide ideal wintering habitats for Temminck's Stints because they contain shallow water, exposed mudflats, abundant benthic invertebrates, and relatively undisturbed feeding grounds (Balachandran et al., 2009).
The presence of Temminck's Stint in these wetlands indicates productive aquatic ecosystems capable of supporting rich invertebrate communities. Consequently, the species is increasingly recognized as a valuable bioindicator of wetland ecosystem health. Monitoring its abundance can provide useful information on habitat quality, prey availability, and the effectiveness of wetland conservation initiatives (BirdLife International, 2024).
2. Taxonomy
Temminck's Stint belongs to the family Scolopacidae, which comprises sandpipers, snipes, godwits, curlews, and related shorebirds. Members of this family are characterized by long-distance migrations, specialized feeding adaptations, and close ecological associations with wetlands.
Modern avian taxonomy places the species within the genus Calidris, which includes numerous small migratory sandpipers distributed across the Northern Hemisphere (Gill et al., 2024).
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | Calidris temminckii (Leisler, 1812) |
The species is named in honour of the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck, whose contributions to ornithology significantly advanced the study of birds during the nineteenth century.
3. Identification and Morphology
The Temminck's Stint is among the smallest shorebirds visiting the Indian subcontinent during winter. Adults typically measure 13–15 cm in length, possess a wingspan of 34–37 cm, and weigh approximately 20–35 g, making them slightly larger than the Little Stint (Calidris minuta) but noticeably smaller than many other sandpipers (Hayman et al., 1986; Grimmett et al., 2011).
The bird photographed for this article exhibits several characteristic features consistent with Temminck's Stint, including:
Small, compact body.
Plain grey-brown upperparts with neatly edged feathers.
Clean white underparts.
Fine black bill with a slight downward curve near the tip.
Olive-green to yellowish legs.
Short primary projection beyond the tail.
Pale supercilium (eyebrow).
Deliberate, slow feeding behaviour while probing soft mud.
Unlike the Little Stint, which often shows darker legs and a more strongly patterned upper body, Temminck's Stint has relatively plain plumage during the non-breeding season. This subdued coloration provides excellent camouflage against muddy shorelines, helping protect the bird from predators while foraging.
The species possesses several morphological adaptations for feeding in shallow wetlands. Its slender bill is highly sensitive and capable of detecting small invertebrates beneath soft mud. Long toes distribute body weight efficiently over wet substrates, reducing sinking while walking across mudflats. Large eyes positioned laterally on the head provide a wide field of vision, enabling the bird to detect both prey and approaching predators.
Temminck's Stints generally move with slow, deliberate steps, pausing frequently to probe the substrate. This contrasts with the faster, more active movements typical of several other small sandpipers. During foraging, individuals are often observed feeding singly or in small loose groups rather than forming the dense flocks characteristic of species such as the Little Stint (Grimmett et al., 2011).
Accurate identification requires careful observation because Temminck's Stint closely resembles several other small shorebirds occurring in India. Important distinguishing features include its olive-green legs, plain upperparts, relatively short wing projection, and characteristic feeding behaviour. These field marks are especially useful during the non-breeding season when many migratory sandpipers exhibit similar plumage.
The combination of subtle plumage, specialized morphology, and behavioural adaptations enables the Temminck's Stint to exploit shallow freshwater marshes, estuaries, and mudflats efficiently, making it a well-adapted migrant capable of surviving across diverse wetland habitats throughout its annual migratory cycle.
4. Global Distribution
The Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii) is a long-distance migratory shorebird with a broad distribution across the Palearctic region. It breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic zones of northern Europe and Asia, where it occupies open tundra, marshes, bogs, and wetlands during the short summer breeding season. Its breeding range extends from Scandinavia and Finland eastwards through northern Russia to Siberia, with isolated breeding populations in parts of Mongolia and Kazakhstan (BirdLife International, 2024; del Hoyo et al., 2020).
Following the breeding season, the species undertakes an extensive southward migration to warmer regions. Its non-breeding range encompasses much of Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and southern China (Gill et al., 2024).
India is one of the principal wintering grounds for the species. Temminck's Stints are widely distributed across the country during the winter months and are commonly observed in freshwater marshes, floodplains, reservoirs, estuaries, coastal mudflats, salt pans, and inland wetlands. Their migration generally begins in late August, with most birds arriving between September and October. They remain until March or early April before returning to their northern breeding grounds (Grimmett et al., 2011).
Within eastern India, Odisha represents one of the most important wintering regions because of its extensive network of wetlands and coastal ecosystems. The species is regularly recorded from:
Chilika Lake
Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
Mangalajodi Wetlands
Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika Mangroves
Ansupa Lake
Hirakud Reservoir
Rushikulya Estuary
Devi River Estuary
Numerous coastal mudflats and freshwater wetlands
These habitats provide abundant food resources and relatively undisturbed feeding areas that are essential for migratory shorebirds during the non-breeding season (Wetlands International, 2023).
5. Habitat in Odisha Wetlands
Temminck's Stint exhibits a strong preference for shallow freshwater wetlands and soft muddy shorelines, although it also utilizes estuarine and coastal habitats. Unlike several other small sandpipers that frequently occupy open tidal mudflats, Temminck's Stint often favours sheltered freshwater habitats with sparse vegetation and gently sloping shorelines (Hayman et al., 1986).
In Odisha, the species is commonly encountered in:
shallow marshes,
exposed mudflats,
freshwater pools,
lake margins,
flooded grasslands,
estuarine flats,
paddy fields after harvest,
seasonal wetlands,
riverbanks,
coastal lagoons.
Among these, Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish-water lagoon and a Ramsar Site, provides one of the most important wintering habitats. The lagoon supports thousands of migratory waterbirds annually because of its extensive mudflats, shallow waters, and highly productive benthic ecosystems (Ramsar Convention Secretariat, 2023).
Similarly, the wetlands of Mangalajodi, located on the northern fringe of Chilika Lake, have become internationally recognized for community-based conservation that has transformed former hunting grounds into safe habitats for migratory birds. Temminck's Stints regularly forage in these wetlands alongside other sandpipers, plovers, and waders.
The species generally selects habitats that provide:
shallow water less than 5 cm deep,
exposed muddy substrates,
abundant aquatic invertebrates,
minimal human disturbance,
open visibility for predator detection,
resting sites above the waterline.
The photographs accompanying this article show a bird feeding along a muddy shoreline, which is entirely consistent with the preferred habitat of Temminck's Stint during the winter months.
6. Feeding Ecology
The Temminck's Stint is primarily an invertivore, feeding on a wide variety of small aquatic organisms found within wetland sediments. Its diet varies seasonally according to prey availability but consists mainly of:
aquatic insect larvae,
chironomid (midge) larvae,
small beetles,
flies,
worms,
crustaceans,
tiny molluscs,
spiders,
aquatic snails,
zooplankton and other benthic invertebrates.
Unlike many larger shorebirds that probe deeply into soft mud, Temminck's Stint typically feeds by making rapid, shallow pecks at the substrate while walking slowly across exposed mudflats. Its slender bill enables precise capture of tiny prey hidden beneath the sediment surface (Hayman et al., 1986).
Feeding usually occurs in shallow water or damp mud where aquatic invertebrates are abundant. Individuals often forage alone or in loose mixed-species flocks with Little Stints (Calidris minuta), Curlew Sandpipers (Calidris ferruginea), Marsh Sandpipers (Tringa stagnatilis), and Wood Sandpipers (Tringa glareola).
The bird spends much of the day actively feeding in order to replenish fat reserves that are essential for migration. During the non-breeding season, energy obtained from these wetlands determines the bird's ability to survive winter and complete its return migration to Arctic breeding grounds.
Because Temminck's Stint depends on healthy benthic invertebrate communities, changes in prey abundance caused by pollution, eutrophication, pesticide contamination, or habitat degradation may directly affect its survival and reproductive success. Consequently, the species is considered a valuable bioindicator of wetland ecological health (BirdLife International, 2024).
7. Migration
Migration is one of the most remarkable aspects of the Temminck's Stint's life history. The species undertakes annual journeys of 5,000–8,000 km, travelling between Arctic breeding grounds and tropical wintering habitats.
After breeding during the brief Arctic summer, adults begin migrating southward in late July and August. Juveniles follow shortly afterwards. The birds travel in stages, stopping at wetlands across Eurasia to rest and replenish energy reserves before continuing south (del Hoyo et al., 2020).
The Central Asian Flyway (CAF) serves as the principal migration route for populations wintering in South Asia. This flyway extends from northern Russia through Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent and supports millions of migratory waterbirds each year.
Odisha occupies an important position along this migration route because its wetlands provide reliable wintering habitat with abundant food and relatively favourable climatic conditions. Birds typically arrive between September and October, remain throughout the winter, and depart during March and April as temperatures increase in the Northern Hemisphere.
Migration requires enormous energy expenditure. Before departure, Temminck's Stints accumulate fat reserves that may increase their body mass by more than 30%. These reserves provide the energy needed for sustained flights across thousands of kilometres.
The survival of migratory shorebirds depends upon the availability of a network of healthy wetlands along their migratory route. The loss of even a few key stopover sites may significantly reduce migration success and population stability. Consequently, international cooperation among countries along the Central Asian Flyway is essential for conserving species such as the Temminck's Stint (Convention on Migratory Species, 2020).
8. Breeding Biology
Temminck's Stint breeds during the short Arctic summer between May and July, when melting snow creates extensive wetlands across the tundra. Breeding habitats include marshes, bogs, wet meadows, sedge-covered tundra, and shallow freshwater pools (BirdLife International, 2024).
Unlike many colonial shorebirds, Temminck's Stints usually nest as isolated pairs. The nest consists of a shallow depression on the ground lined with grasses, moss, sedges, and leaves, providing effective camouflage among tundra vegetation.
Breeding characteristics include:
ground nests concealed among vegetation,
clutch size of 3–4 eggs,
incubation lasting approximately 21–23 days,
both parents sharing incubation duties,
chicks leaving the nest within hours of hatching,
young birds feeding independently soon after emergence.
The chicks are precocial, meaning they are covered with down and capable of walking and feeding shortly after hatching. This adaptation allows rapid development during the extremely short Arctic summer.
By late July or early August, most juveniles have fledged, and the southward migration begins. The timing of breeding is closely synchronized with peak insect abundance, ensuring sufficient food for growing chicks.
Because the breeding season is restricted to only a few weeks each year, successful reproduction depends heavily on favourable weather conditions and the availability of productive tundra wetlands.
9. Ecological Importance
Although the Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii) is among the smallest migratory shorebirds visiting the Indian subcontinent, it performs several important ecological functions within wetland ecosystems. Its dependence on shallow freshwater marshes, mudflats, estuaries, and floodplain wetlands makes it an integral component of aquatic biodiversity and an effective indicator of ecosystem health (BirdLife International, 2024).
As a specialized invertivorous shorebird, the Temminck's Stint primarily feeds on aquatic insects, worms, crustaceans, molluscs, and other benthic invertebrates. Through continuous foraging, the species helps regulate populations of these organisms, contributing to ecological balance within wetland food webs (Hayman et al., 1986).
The species also participates in nutrient cycling. By feeding on aquatic organisms in one part of a wetland and depositing nutrients elsewhere through excretion, it contributes to the redistribution of organic matter and nutrients, supporting the productivity of wetland ecosystems.
Another important ecological role is its position within the food chain. While Temminck's Stint preys upon small invertebrates, it also serves as prey for larger birds such as falcons, harriers, marsh harriers, peregrine falcons, gulls, and other avian predators. This transfer of energy between trophic levels helps maintain ecological stability within wetland habitats.
Perhaps the greatest ecological significance of the species lies in its value as a bioindicator. Because Temminck's Stint depends on healthy benthic invertebrate communities, shallow water, and relatively undisturbed mudflats, changes in its abundance often reflect broader environmental changes affecting wetlands. Declining populations may indicate pollution, habitat degradation, altered hydrology, or reduced prey availability (Wetlands International, 2023).
For these reasons, the Temminck's Stint is frequently included in wetland bird monitoring programmes conducted by conservation organizations and government agencies. Long-term population monitoring can provide valuable information on ecosystem quality, climate-related changes, and the effectiveness of wetland management practices.
10. Threats to the Species
Although the Temminck's Stint is currently categorized as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List because of its large global population and extensive geographic range, many local populations are increasingly threatened by habitat degradation throughout their migratory routes and wintering grounds (BirdLife International, 2024).
Major threats include:
loss of wetlands through land reclamation,
drainage of marshes,
urban expansion,
industrial development,
conversion of wetlands into agriculture,
pollution from untreated sewage,
pesticide contamination,
heavy-metal pollution,
eutrophication caused by excessive nutrient input,
invasion by non-native aquatic plants,
disturbance from tourism and recreational activities,
climate change,
sea-level rise,
alteration of natural hydrological regimes.
In Odisha, coastal development and changes in land use have reduced the extent of several natural mudflats and marshes that serve as feeding grounds for migratory shorebirds. Pollution from agricultural runoff and domestic wastewater may also reduce the abundance of aquatic invertebrates upon which the species depends.
Climate change represents an additional long-term threat. Rising sea levels, altered rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events may modify the availability and quality of wetlands throughout the Central Asian Flyway. Because migratory birds rely on a chain of suitable stopover sites, degradation of even a few critical wetlands can significantly reduce migration success (Convention on Migratory Species, 2020).
Human disturbance is another important factor. Frequent movement of people, livestock, fishing activities, and off-road vehicles can interrupt feeding behaviour, forcing birds to expend valuable energy during the non-breeding season.
11. Conservation Measures
Effective conservation of the Temminck's Stint requires protection of the wetlands upon which it depends throughout its annual migratory cycle. Since the species breeds in Arctic regions but winters in tropical wetlands, conservation must involve international cooperation among countries connected by the Central Asian Flyway.
Recommended conservation measures include:
protection of Ramsar wetlands,
restoration of degraded marshes and mudflats,
prevention of wetland reclamation,
maintenance of natural water levels,
conservation of benthic invertebrate communities,
reduction of sewage and industrial pollution,
regulation of pesticide use,
management of invasive aquatic vegetation,
protection of important migratory stopover sites,
regular monitoring of migratory bird populations,
strengthening implementation of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017,
promotion of community-based conservation programmes.
One of the most successful examples is Mangalajodi, located on the northern fringe of Chilika Lake. Formerly affected by bird hunting, the area has become a model for community-led conservation through the active participation of local residents. Today, Mangalajodi supports thousands of migratory waterbirds each winter and is recognized internationally for its conservation achievements (Wetlands International, 2023).
International agreements such as the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands also play an important role in protecting migratory shorebirds by encouraging habitat conservation across national boundaries.
12. Importance of Odisha Wetlands for Migratory Shorebirds
Odisha possesses one of the richest wetland networks in India and serves as an internationally important wintering destination for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway. The state's wetlands support hundreds of resident and migratory bird species every year, making them among South Asia's most significant bird conservation landscapes.
Important wetlands include:
Chilika Lake (Ramsar Site)
Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
Mangalajodi Wetlands
Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika Mangroves
Ansupa Lake
Rushikulya Estuary
Devi River Estuary
Hirakud Reservoir
Numerous inland marshes, floodplains, and coastal mudflats.
These wetlands provide:
shallow feeding habitats,
abundant aquatic invertebrates,
safe roosting sites,
freshwater and brackish-water ecosystems,
relatively undisturbed wintering habitats,
ecological connectivity along migratory routes.
The annual arrival of Temminck's Stints demonstrates the international ecological importance of Odisha's wetlands. Protecting these habitats benefits not only this species but also numerous other migratory shorebirds, ducks, geese, herons, egrets, gulls, terns, and raptors.
Furthermore, migratory birds contribute to ecotourism, environmental education, scientific research, and biodiversity conservation. Their presence highlights the need for sustainable wetland management that balances ecological protection with the livelihoods of local communities.
Conclusion
The bird featured in the accompanying photographs is most consistent with a Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii), a small migratory shorebird that visits India during the winter after breeding in the Arctic tundra. Its subtle plumage, olive-green legs, fine bill, and methodical feeding behaviour distinguish it from many other small sandpipers.
Despite its modest appearance, the Temminck's Stint performs important ecological functions by regulating populations of aquatic invertebrates, contributing to nutrient cycling, and serving as prey for larger predators. More importantly, its dependence on healthy wetlands makes it an excellent bioindicator of freshwater and estuarine ecosystem health.
Odisha's wetlands—including Chilika Lake, Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, Mangalajodi, and Bhitarkanika National Park—provide critical wintering habitats for this remarkable migrant. Their conservation is essential not only for the Temminck's Stint but also for the vast diversity of resident and migratory birds that depend upon these ecosystems.
Continued habitat protection, pollution control, scientific monitoring, community participation, and international cooperation along the Central Asian Flyway will ensure that future generations continue to witness the annual arrival of this extraordinary Arctic traveller. Conserving wetlands is therefore fundamental to preserving both the Temminck's Stint and the rich biodiversity that defines India's aquatic ecosystems.
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by Dr. U Elaya Perumal
