Red-necked Stint
Rotkehlstrandläufer simplicity in dress
The Rotkehlstrandläufer (Calidris ruficollis ) is a small monotypic species of the family of the Waders. The IUCN classifies the Rotkehlstrandläufer as an uncritical ( least concern ) and estimates the backlog at 320,000 mature individuals.
Appearance
The Rotkehlstrandläufer reaches a body length of 13-16 centimeters. The wingspan is 35 to 38 centimeters. The weight varies between 20 and 35 grams. The Rotkehlstrandläufer making it one of the smallest species within the genus of beach runners.
In breeding plumage adult Rotkehlstrandläufer have a reddish maroon head and neck as well as an equally colored chest. The top of the head is dark striped to the beak base runs a bright spring ring. The body underside is white, the lower chest has some dark streaks. The coat is dark brown with reddish brown wide hems. The hull and the middle tail feathers are dark brown, the sides of the upper tail-coverts are white to pale gray. The bill is relatively short for a beach runner. It's just dark in color and shaped. The iris is dark brown. The legs and feet are black.
In Plain dress Rotkehlstrandläufer have no reddish- brown color. The top of the head, the neck and the body top is then uniformly gray-brown. The body underside is white, only the sides of the chest have a fine, gray-brown dashes on. Juveniles are similar to the body top feathered as Rotkehlstrandläufer adult, in breeding plumage, the plumage of the young birds acts but colorful. The head is slightly grayer than in adult birds. The lower body is white, with the upper chest is brownish wash over and dashed dark brown. The Dunenküken are maroon, black and white spotted.
Within the distribution area of Rotkehlstrandläufer can be confused especially with the dwarf beach skiers. The Rotkehlstrandläufer has longer wings and slightly shorter legs. Similarity exists with the spoon beach runners, but the conspicuous beak shape of this kind is a safe differentiator. In Plain dress, it can also be confused with the sandy beach skiers.
Distribution area
The Rotkehlstrandläufer breeds primarily in eastern Russia, occasionally it occurs as a breeding bird in western Alaska. The breeding range extends from the patchy Taimyr peninsula to the east of Chukotka. It breeds preferentially in coastal regions, but also comes as a breeding bird in humid places in the tundra. It is a migratory bird that runs to the south of China, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand during the winter months. He considers himself then preferably on flood plains along the coast and in salt marshes.
Way of life
The Rotkehlstrandläufer preferred eats invertebrates, which he usually pecks from the surface. Wintering Rotkehlstrandläufer also eat crustaceans and mollusks.
The Rotkehlstrandläufer lives very sociable and can be observed especially in the winter half of the year in flocks. The nest is a depression which is well hidden in the vegetation. The nest cavity is lined with plant parts from the immediate vicinity. The nest consists of three to four eggs. They have a creamy white to pale yellow skin color and are speckled reddish. The incubation period is 21 to 23 days. Both parents are involved in the breeding birds. The chicks are guided solely by the male. The young birds fledge 15 to 20 days.