Species Profile
Grey Phalarope
Phalaropus fulicarius
Grey Phalarope
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
5–10 years
Length
20–22 cm
Weight
40–60 g
Wingspan
40–44 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Red Phalarope
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Appearance
The Grey Phalarope is a small wader with a distinctive, chunky body and needle-like bill. In winter, it displays a pale grey back and white underparts. During the breeding season, its plumage transforms dramatically.
Females are more brightly coloured than males in breeding plumage, with a rusty-red neck and underparts, contrasting with a grey face and black cap. Males are duller, with mottled brown upperparts and less intense red colouration.
Juveniles' upperparts are dark brown, streaked with white. Their underparts are mainly white but with a pinkish wash on the sides of the breast. Like adults in winter plumage, juveniles have a dark grey streaked crown, whitish-pink face and neck, and black markings next to their eyes.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Yellow
Female Colors
- Primary
- Red
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Yellow
Female Markings
Brighter and more colorful breeding plumage than males
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Grey Phalaropes breed in the high Arctic tundra, nesting near shallow freshwater pools. Outside the breeding season, they are pelagic, spending months at sea in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
During migration, they can be observed along the coastlines of North America, Europe, and Asia.
In the UK, they are most commonly seen as passage migrants, particularly along western coasts, usually following a storm, when strong winds and unsettled weather may blow them off course, with some individuals briefly appearing at inland wetlands
Distribution
Diet
Grey Phalaropes primarily feed on small aquatic invertebrates and zooplankton. They use their thin bills to pick prey from the water's surface or just below. During the breeding season, they also consume insects and their larvae found in tundra pools, in particular midges and cranefly larvae.
Plant material is also sometimes eaten, while grey phalaropes forage on marshes for seeds if other food sources are limited. Post-breeding, crustaceans and other aquatic creatures, including tadpoles and water snails, from freshwater marshes become more critical.
Behaviour
Grey Phalaropes are known for their unique spinning behaviour while feeding. They swim in tight circles, creating a vortex that brings small prey to the surface. These birds are also notable for their reversed sex roles, with females taking the lead in courtship and territory defence.
Calls & Sounds
Grey Phalaropes have a distinctive, high-pitched call often described as a sharp 'wit' or 'pit'. During the breeding season, females produce a series of grunting sounds during courtship displays. In flight, they emit a soft, twittering 'twit-twit' sound. Outside of the breeding season, they are relatively silent.
Nesting & Breeding
Grey Phalaropes exhibit reversed sex roles in breeding. Females compete for males and defend territories. The breeding season typically begins in June in the Arctic tundra.
Males construct shallow nests on the ground, lined with grass and leaves. Females lay 3-4 olive-green eggs with dark blotches. Males take primary responsibility for incubation.
Incubation lasts about 20 days. Chicks are precocial and can feed themselves shortly after hatching. They fledge in about 18-20 days, with males providing most of the parental care.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Grey Phalaropes face threats from climate change affecting their Arctic breeding grounds. Oil spills and marine pollution also pose risks during their pelagic phase. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key stopover sites and breeding habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Grey Phalaropes on coastal waters during migration
- Observe their distinctive spinning feeding behaviour
- In breeding season, focus on tundra pools and wetlands
- Listen for their sharp 'pit' or 'wit' calls
Did You Know?
- Grey Phalaropes have lobed toes that help them swim efficiently.
- They are one of the few bird species where females are more brightly coloured than males.
- These birds can sleep while floating on the open ocean.
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