Red-Necked Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatus
DescriptionUnlike other shorebirds, Red-necked Phalaropes prefer swimming over wading. They have lobed toes that allow them to swim while feeding on the open ocean. During migration, however, this bird will feed by wading in shallow lakes and mudflats.
General: 6 to 8 inches in length.
Adult Alternate: Dark gray-blackish head, nape, chest, and flanks. Rusty colored neck. White throat and underparts. Black back with buff colored stripes. Thin black bill. Black legs. Males are duller in color than females.
Adult Basic: Dark gray-blackish crown and upperparts. White underparts. Black eye patch. Thin black bill. Black legs.
Open ocean and beaches. Shallow rivers, lakes and mudflats during migration.
Nesting4 olive eggs with brown spots. The eggs have a 17-21 day incubation period. Fledging occurs in 20 days. The nest is a shallow dip on marshy tundra. The male incubates the eggs and cares for the young.
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