aka Grey Phalarope
- Phalaropus fulicarius
Identification
L 20-22 cm, WS 36-41 cm. In Europe they are mostly seen in winter plumage when they are pale grey, with white underparts, a dark bill and thick black line through the eye. The lack of stripes on the back and the shorter, thicker bill distinguish them from Red-necked Phalaropes. In summer, the adults are almost entirely red on their underparts (not just around the neck) and have a black and white head pattern and a mostly yellow bill. The juveniles have streaks on the mantle like Red-necked Phalaropes but these soon disappear as they moult into first-winter plumage.
Distribution
Breeds in the Arctic and winters in the Atlantic off south and West Africa, travelling via migration routes well out in the north Atlantic. In western Europe, very rare in late spring; more regular September and October (especially on the west coast of Britain and Ireland), when gales bring singles or small groups (at times large numbers) close inshore, or odd birds to coastal pools.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Coastal wet tundra, sometimes in drier area, but always near fresh or brackish water.
Behaviour
Nest in tussock near shallow water. Typically seen swimming, often spinning rapidly or picking insects off water.
