Red-necked Phalarope

The Red-necked Phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus, is a small and elegant wader known for its distinctive breeding plumage and unique swimming behavior. Measuring approximately 18 cm in length, it possesses lobed toes and a straight, fine bill, adapted to its aquatic lifestyle.

Identification Tips

During the breeding season, the female Red-necked Phalarope is a sight to behold with her dark grey upperparts and rich chestnut neck and upper breast. Her face is black, contrasting with a white throat, and a white wing stripe is visible, distinguishing her from the similar Wilson's Phalarope. The male, in comparison, is somewhat less vibrant. Juveniles display a grey and brown upper body with buff underparts and a notable black eye patch. In winter, the species dons a grey and white plumage, but the black eye patch remains a constant feature. Their calls are sharp, often described as a "whit" or "twit."

Habitat

The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic tundra of North America and Eurasia, favoring wetlands and pools for nesting.

Distribution

This species is migratory, spending its winters at sea in tropical oceans, a behavior quite unusual for waders. Its breeding range spans the Arctic, while in winter, it can be found across tropical seas.

Behaviour

The Red-necked Phalarope is known for its tame nature around humans, likely due to its limited contact with them. It exhibits a fascinating feeding behavior, creating small whirlpools in the water to bring prey within reach. During migration, it can be found on the open ocean, often near upwellings where food is abundant.

Song & Calls

The Red-necked Phalarope's call is a sharp "whit" or "twit," which can be heard during its breeding season.

Breeding

In a reversal of typical bird roles, the larger and more colorful females court males and defend them from rivals. Males are left with the responsibility of incubating the eggs and rearing the chicks. Nests are grass-lined depressions, and clutch size is typically four olive-buff eggs. Incubation lasts about 20 days, with chicks being precocial and able to fly within 20 days of hatching.

Similar Species

The Wilson's Phalarope is similar in appearance but can be differentiated by the lack of a white wing stripe during the breeding season.

Diet and Feeding

The Red-necked Phalarope feeds on small insects and crustaceans, often creating whirlpools to bring food to the surface. It is adept at plucking its prey from these self-made vortices.

Conservation status

The Red-necked Phalarope is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with the species being subject to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

In Britain and Ireland, the Red-necked Phalarope is a rare and localized breeder, with the most reliable sightings in Shetland. Tracking studies have revealed remarkable migration routes, with some individuals traveling a 16,000-mile round trip to winter in the tropical Pacific Ocean.