Red-necked Stint

Calidris ruficollis is a tiny Arctic migrant visiting New Zealand each summer. It differs from sharp-tailed sandpiper through its much smaller size, shorter legs and finer black bill. Non-breeding birds are grey-brown above and white below with dark legs. Breeding plumage develops a brick-red face, throat and upper breast.

It occurs in small flocks on major estuaries across New Zealand. Birds breed in northeastern Siberia and migrate through East Asia to Australasia. It rapidly pecks mud and shallow water for tiny molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Feeding flocks track receding tides across exposed flats.

The New Zealand classification is Migrant. Pūkorokoro Miranda, Farewell Spit and Ashley Estuary offer regular summer sightings.