Little Stint
Calidris pusilla
Length 13cm

Tiny wader, recalling miniature, short-billed dunlin. Scarce passage migrant, most records of juvenile birds in autumn. Favours margins of freshwater pools mainly near coasts, especially S and E England. Constant and frantic activity a clue to identity. Juvenile has chestnut-brown upperparts and cap, white underparts, and distinctive buff patch on shoulder; usually shows white 'v' on back. Adult seen comparatively rarely. In winter, has grey upperparts and white underparts; acquires reddish orange wash to head and neck in breeding plumage.