Chennai: A small number of long-toed stints, tiny waders known for one of the longest migratory journeys in the avian world, were spotted at the Pallikaranai Marshland by birdwatchers.The bird, which breeds in Siberia and travels thousands of kilometres to reach the wetland, had left Pallikaranai at the end of May before returning by mid-July, continuing its seasonal rhythm.According to Chennai district forest officer V A Saravanan, the long-toed stint is among the rarest waders that rely on the Asian Flyway to reach Pallikaranai, along with the ruff, common sandpiper and wood sandpiper.These four species have shown a pattern of early arrival and late departure during the 2026-27 migratory season, birders said, a trend they describe as reflecting the richness of the marshland.Even though the marsh is now filled with water, the migratory waders continue to thrive by using its shallow feeding grounds and roosting habitats, according to birders monitoring the site. They said this seasonal pattern is a strong indicator of the wetland’s ecological health and reinforces its importance along the Central Asian Flyway.Of the four species, the long-toed stint faces the greatest habitat risk, birders said, since it depends on very shallow freshwater marshes with soft mud and low water levels. Even a small change in water depth can adversely affect its feeding, they added.K V R K Thirunaranan of The Nature Trust said the continued annual return of the long-toed stint, its rising peak numbers in recent seasons, and an unprecedented record in May 2026 point to the sustained ecological value of the Pallikaranai Marshland.He said the wetland’s ability to support this uncommon migratory wader through changing water and weather conditions underscores the need to preserve its estuarine character, shallow feeding zones and seasonal microhabitats.
