Red-necked Stint

1. Tiny size \- one of the smallest waders, barely larger than a sparrow

2. Short, straight black bill and dark legs

3. Rapid, 'sewing machine' feeding action when probing mud

Red-necked stints are long-distance migrants, breeding in Arctic tundra and wintering in the Southern Hemisphere. They're highly social, often seen in flocks with other small waders. While they don't breed in New Zealand, their presence here is crucial for their survival. They face threats from habitat loss along their migration route, particularly in East Asia. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key stopover and wintering sites.

Red-necked stints can be found at coastal sites throughout New Zealand, but they're most common at large estuaries and shallow coastal lakes. Key locations include Lake Ellesmere, Manukau Harbour, and Farewell Spit. Look for them on mudflats during low tide, often in mixed flocks with other small waders. At high tide, they gather at roost sites on shellbanks or sandspits. Dawn and dusk are great times to spot them actively feeding. Tip: Use a spotting scope to get a good view without disturbing these tiny birds.

While not as deeply embedded in New Zealand culture as some native birds, the red-necked stint represents the wonder of bird migration. Its annual journey from Siberia to New Zealand showcases the interconnectedness of global ecosystems. For Māori and other New Zealanders, the arrival of migratory birds like the red-necked stint marks the changing of seasons and the health of our coastal environments.