Species Profile
Red-necked Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatus
Red-Necked Phalarope
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Northern Phalarope
Think you've spotted a Red-necked Phalarope?
Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly
Confirm with a PhotoGallery
Appearance
The Red-necked Phalarope is a small, delicate shorebird with a slender black bill and lobed toes. In breeding plumage, it displays a distinctive grey back, white underparts, and a striking reddish-orange neck patch.
Females are more brightly colored than males, with a more extensive red neck patch. Non-breeding adults and juveniles have a plainer grey and white plumage, lacking the vibrant neck coloration.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Grey
Female Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Grey
Female Markings
Brighter red neck patch, more extensive 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
Red-necked Phalaropes breed in Arctic and subarctic regions across North America and Eurasia, favoring tundra ponds and marshy areas. During migration, they can be found along coastlines and on open oceans.
In winter, they inhabit tropical seas, with large concentrations in areas like the Arabian Sea. They are regular visitors to coastal areas in the UK, Canada, and the United States during spring and fall migrations.
A small number breed in Shetland each year, with an average of 64 breeding males counted raising young on an annual basis. In the US, Alaska is the only state with breeding birds.
Eastern Canada offers some of the most concentrated breeding grounds, with up to 3 million reported at lower Pasamaquoddy Bay, New Brunswick, in 1978 and a further 1 million recorded at the Quoddy region of Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick.
Distribution
Diet
Red-necked Phalaropes primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates and zooplankton. They use their thin bills to pick prey from the water's surface or just below. Their unique spinning behavior stirs up small organisms, making them easier to catch.
During the breeding season, they also consume insects in the tundra, especially flies, their larvae and eggs, beetles and spiders.
At sea, copepods and other tiny crustaceans are eaten, as well as gastropods, molluscs, fish eggs and seeds of marine plants.
Behaviour
Red-necked Phalaropes are known for their unique spinning behavior while feeding, creating small whirlpools to bring prey to the surface.
They are highly gregarious, often seen in large flocks during migration. These birds are excellent swimmers, frequently seen bobbing on the water's surface like tiny ducks.
Calls & Sounds
Red-necked Phalaropes have a high-pitched, squeaky call often described as a rapid 'wit-wit-wit' or 'pik-pik-pik'.
During courtship, females produce a low, guttural 'grrrr' sound. In flight, they emit a soft 'tip' or 'pip' note, often in quick succession.
Nesting & Breeding
Red-necked Phalaropes exhibit reversed sex roles, with females competing for mates and males taking on most parental duties. Breeding occurs in Arctic tundra regions during the brief summer months.
Males construct shallow ground nests lined with grass near water. Females typically lay 4 olive-green eggs with dark splotches. After laying, females often depart to seek additional mates - their pair bonds only lasts around 10 days.
Males incubate the eggs for about 18 days and care for the precocial chicks. Young phalaropes can swim shortly after hatching and fledge within 20 days.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Red-necked Phalaropes face threats from climate change affecting their Arctic breeding grounds. Oil spills and marine pollution pose risks during their oceanic migrations.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key stopover sites and breeding habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them spinning in shallow waters of tundra ponds or coastal areas
- Observe their distinctive swimming behavior, often in tight circles
- During migration, scan open ocean areas where they may gather in large numbers
- In North America, watch for them at stopover sites along both coasts
Did You Know?
- Red-necked Phalaropes are one of the few bird species where females are more brightly colored than males.
- They can drink saltwater and have special glands to excrete excess salt.
- During migration, they can form massive flocks of up to 100,000 individuals in some areas.
Community Photos
Be the first to share a photo of the Red-necked Phalarope
Upload a PhotoIdentify Any Bird Instantly
- Upload a photo from your phone or camera
- Get an instant AI identification
- Ask follow-up questions about the bird
Monthly Birds in Your Area
- Personalised for your location
- Seasonal tips and garden advice
- Updated every month with new species