Red-necked Phalarope
Least ConcernPhalaropus lobatus
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
18cm to 19cm
Wingspan
31cm to 34cm
Weight
25g to 48g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 4,500 meters
Climate zones
Arctic, Temperate, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Red-necked 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
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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 Red-necked Phalarope demonstrates remarkable agility, particularly in its unique spinning behaviour whilst feeding and its adept swimming skills. Its ability to navigate both air and water with ease, coupled with its swift flight during long migrations, justifies this high agility rating.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small shorebird, the Red-necked Phalarope isn't particularly strong. However, it possesses enough strength to undertake long-distance migrations and survive in harsh Arctic conditions. Its ability to swim and feed in open oceans also indicates a moderate level of strength for its size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows exceptional adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to tropical seas. Its ability to drink saltwater, coupled with specialised glands to excrete excess salt, further demonstrates its remarkable adaptations. The phalarope's flexibility in breeding strategies and feeding techniques also contribute to this high adaptability score.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not typically aggressive, female Red-necked Phalaropes display competitive behaviour during mating season, competing for mates. This reversed sex role, uncommon in birds, suggests a moderate level of aggression, at least in females during breeding periods. However, their generally gregarious nature outside of breeding season tempers this rating.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Red-necked Phalaropes exhibit impressive endurance, undertaking long-distance migrations between Arctic breeding grounds and tropical wintering areas. Their ability to form large flocks of up to 100,000 individuals during migration and survive in open ocean environments for extended periods demonstrates considerable stamina and resilience.
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.
Vocalisation
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.
Lifespan
The Red-necked Phalarope typically lives for 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 12.9 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Northern Phalarope
Family:
ScolopacidaePredators
Main predators include Arctic foxes, jaegers, gulls, and falcons. Chicks are particularly vulnerable to predation by these species.
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.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Phalaropus lobatus (amended version of 2018 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22693490A155525960.
View source - 3 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2011: Robinson and Clark, The Online Ringing Report: Bird ringing in Britain & Ireland in 2011
View source