Red-necked Phalarope
NameRed-necked Phalarope
Common NameRed-necked Phalarope
Scientific NamePhalaropus lobatus
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)18.5
Weight (g)39
Plumage DetailsBreeding plumage features a dark grey back with buff streaking, a dark cap, a prominent white cheek patch, and a striking rufous-red patch on the sides of the neck extending to the breast. The throat is white, and the underparts are white. The bill is slender and needle-like.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include sharp, high-pitched 'kit' or 'whit' calls, often given in flight or when disturbed.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, tundra, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in Arctic and subarctic regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters primarily at sea in tropical and subtropical oceans globally, often far from land.
Identifying FeaturesRed neck patch (breeding plumage), Dark cap with white cheek patch, Slender, needle-like black bill, Unique spinning feeding behavior on water, Sexually dimorphic, with females brighter than males
Description
The Red-necked Phalarope is a small, elegant shorebird known for its unique feeding behavior of spinning on water to create a vortex, bringing food to the surface. In breeding plumage, females are more brightly colored than males, a reversal of typical avian sexual dimorphism.
