Sandpipers · Shorebirds
Red-necked Phalarope
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Phalaropus lobatus
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Voice
Call
Jonathon Jongsma
Call
Jonathon Jongsma
Call
Jonathon Jongsma
How to recognize it
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18–20 cm, like a starling
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Small wader with a thin straight bill
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Breeding female: dark grey above, chestnut neck and breast, black face, white throat
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Winter plumage: grey above, white below, black eye-stripe always present
About the species
The Red-necked Phalarope has a light, delicate look, and its water habits make it stand out. In breeding dress the female looks darker and richer, while in winter both sexes turn mostly pale with a dark line through the eye.
It feeds in a very distinctive way, spinning quickly in a small circle until a tiny whirlpool forms, then picking food from the centre. It takes small insects and crustaceans, and during migration may gather on open water where tides stir food up.
It breeds in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia, then moves to tropical seas for winter. Away from the nesting season it spends most of its time on open water and usually stays far from people.
Where to find
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Along shallow ponds, canals, and quiet backwaters — especially at reed edges, where the Red-necked Phalarope spins in tiny, fast circles.
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On open water in river mouths and sheltered bays — look for the near-constant turning on the spot that makes the surface seem to whirl.
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By low muddy banks and mats of duckweed — watch for quick surface picking as it plucks food from the little vortex it creates.
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On migration it can stay well offshore on larger waters, often where currents meet and the surface looks slightly stirred up.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Phalaropus lobatus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Red-necked phalarope Encyclopedia article