Red Phalarope Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Red Phalaropes are small shorebirds, but they are the largest and chunkiest of the phalaropes. The neck is relatively short and thick, and the bill is noticeably thicker than the other two species.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Red-necked Phalarope; smaller than a Red Knot.

  robin-sized

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 7.9-8.7 in (20-22 cm)
    • Weight: 1.5-2.1 oz (42-60 g)
    • Wingspan: 16.1-17.3 in (41-44 cm)

  © Look! It's Adoga Big Nose! / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Breeding females have a bright reddish-cinnamon body; males are a duller orange-red. Breeders also have a white cheek, black crown, and yellow bill. Nonbreeding plumage is a smooth gray above and white below with a black eye patch. Juveniles are stained with buffy tones.

• Behavior

  Swims on the surface of the water like other phalaropes, picking invertebrates. Usually seen in small flocks but can gather in larger numbers; often mixes with Red-necked Phalarope.

• Habitat

  Breeds on Arctic tundra; migrates and winters on the ocean. Rarely seen inland.