Red-necked phalarope

Scientific name: Phalaropus lobatus

A delicate wader, Red-necked phalaropes are as comfortable swimming as they are on land. Unusually for birds, the females are more brightly coloured than the males.

Species information

Statistics

Length: 18-19cm Wingspan: 36cm Weight: 36g

Conservation status

Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Classified in the UK a Red List species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review and as a Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

When to see

May to September

About

Phalaropes are a strange group of pot-bellied, long-necked, short-legged, needle-billed waders that prefer to be in the water, rather than at the edge. Unusually in birds, phalarope females are more brightly coloured than the males who spend their time incubating the nests so need to be more camouflaged. In a role reversal that goes further than just plumage, females will compete for nest sites at breeding grounds, choose a male and then defend him against other females. Once the chicks arrive, the female leaves the male to raise them on his own.

How to identify

In their non-breeding plumage, red-necked phalaropes are grey, with a dark patch near the eye and on the head. During the breeding season, females have a white chin with a surrounding rust-red band on the neck, grey breast and dark back. Males are duller, with a grey back and white underside. The similar grey phalarope is slightly larger and stockier, with a thicker bill and is more likely to be found around the coast.

Distribution

A very rare nesting bird of western and northern Scottish Isles. A rare visitor to wetlands anywhere in the country during spring and autumn migration, but most often seen on the east coast.

Habitats

Did you know?

Phalaropes feed in an odd way for waders: they swim round in circles, disturbing the water and picking off any insects, midges or water-loving creatures that appear at the surface. They have lobed toes, enabling them to swim well.