Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius)
Red Phalarope

Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

The Red Phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius, is a small wader known for its striking plumage and unique behaviors. This bird exhibits a fascinating reversal of typical avian gender roles, with females being the more vibrant and aggressive sex. The Red Phalarope is a migratory species, breeding in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia and spending its winters on tropical oceans.

Identification Tips

Adult Red Phalaropes measure approximately 21 cm in length and can be identified by their lobed toes and straight bill, which is somewhat thicker than that of the Red-necked Phalarope. During the breeding season, females boast a dark brown and black upper body with vivid red underparts and distinctive white cheek patches. Their bill is yellow with a black tip. Males are more subdued in coloration. Juveniles display light grey and brown upper parts with buff underparts and a dark eye patch. In winter, the plumage transitions to grey above and white below, but the black eye patch remains. The winter bill is black.

Habitat

The Red Phalarope breeds in Arctic tundra environments near water bodies. After breeding, it spends the majority of its time at sea, often in areas where ocean currents converge, creating upwellings rich in food sources.

Distribution

This species is migratory, with a breeding range across the Arctic and a wintering range that spans tropical oceans. It is known for its oceanic migration routes.

Behaviour

Red Phalaropes are known for their swimming behavior, where they create small whirlpools to bring food to the surface. They are also observed flying to catch insects in the air. During the non-breeding season, they are sociable and can be found in flocks, often displaying a remarkable tameness around humans.

Song & Calls

The call of the Red Phalarope is a short, sharp "beek," often heard during interactions with other birds.

Breeding

In a reversal of typical bird roles, the larger and more colorful females court males and defend territories. After laying olive-brown eggs, females depart, leaving males to incubate and rear the young. The eggs hatch after 18 or 19 days, and the chicks, which feed themselves, can fly within 18 days.

Similar Species

The Red Phalarope can be confused with the Red-necked Phalarope, but can be distinguished by its thicker bill and different breeding plumage.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists of insects and crustaceans, which they adeptly pluck from water surfaces or catch in flight. Their unique feeding behavior involves swimming in tight circles to create whirlpools that bring prey within reach.

Conservation status

The Red Phalarope is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

Red Phalarope Sounds


Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Red Phalarope Fun Facts

Did you know?
When hunting, Red Phalarope form small whirlpools to raise prey towards the surface.

Red Phalaropes on Birda

Sightings

More Sandpipers, Snipes

A photo of a Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

Common Sandpiper

Actitis hypoleucos
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Emcil24
A Friendly Place
I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life Pokémon go.
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
Louise L
Easy to use and accurate
Love this app. It is easy to use and accurate, Their backup communication is really good. I noted a missing species. All through the process, I was kept informed about the progress in correcting the information. I now have the corrected, updated version. 😁 Thanks!
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❤️
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.