Grey Phalarope
Phalaropus fulicarius
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
20cm to 22cm
Wingspan
40cm to 44cm
Weight
40g to 60g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Arctic, Temperate, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Grey Phalarope. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Grey Phalarope demonstrates remarkable agility, particularly in its unique spinning behaviour whilst feeding. Its ability to swim in tight circles and navigate both air and water environments with ease suggests high manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small wader, the Grey Phalarope isn't particularly strong. However, it possesses enough strength to undertake long-distance migrations and survive in harsh Arctic conditions, indicating moderate strength for its size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Grey Phalaropes show exceptional adaptability, thriving in diverse environments from Arctic tundra to open oceans. Their ability to sleep while floating at sea and their reversed sex roles in breeding demonstrate significant adaptive capabilities.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not typically aggressive, female Grey Phalaropes display notable territorial behaviour during breeding season, competing for males and defending territories. This suggests a moderate level of aggression, particularly in females.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Grey Phalaropes exhibit impressive endurance, undertaking long-distance migrations and spending months at sea. Their ability to survive in harsh Arctic breeding grounds and pelagic environments indicates high endurance levels.
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.
Vocalisation
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 and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
1,350,000 - 2,980,000 individuals [2]
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include Arctic foxes, jaegers, gulls, and occasionally larger shorebirds. Chicks are particularly vulnerable to predation.
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.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Phalaropus fulicarius. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22693494A132531581.
View source - 2
report, 2015: Wetlands International
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.