Rare Long-Toed Stint Returns to Chennai Marsh

Tiny long-toed stints, a species renowned for undertaking exceptionally long migratory journeys, have been observed at Chennai's Pallikaranai Marshland. These waders breed in Siberia and travel thousands of kilometers to reach the wetland, where they have continued their seasonal presence by returning mid-July after departing at the end of May.

According to Chennai district forest officer V A Saravanan, the long-toed stint is among the rarest waders utilizing the Asian Flyway to reach Pallikaranai. It shares this migratory path with other species like the ruff, common sandpiper, and wood sandpiper. These four species have exhibited a trend of early arrival and late departure during the 2026-27 migratory season, which birders interpret as a sign of the marshland's ecological richness.

Despite the marshland now being filled with water, migratory waders are thriving by utilizing its shallow feeding grounds and roosting habitats. Birdwatchers monitoring the site emphasize that this consistent seasonal pattern serves as a strong indicator of the wetland's ecological health and reinforces its significance along the Central Asian Flyway.

Of the four species observed, the long-toed stint faces the most significant habitat risks due to its reliance on very shallow freshwater marshes with soft mud and low water levels. Even minor alterations in water depth can adversely impact its feeding capabilities. K V R K Thirunaranan of The Nature Trust highlighted the sustained ecological value of Pallikaranai Marshland, citing the annual return of the long-toed stint, its increasing peak numbers in recent seasons, and an unprecedented record in May 2026.

Thirunaranan stressed that the wetland's capacity to support this uncommon migratory wader through varying water and weather conditions emphasizes the critical need to preserve its estuarine character, shallow feeding zones, and seasonal microhabitats.