Breeding females are brighter than males with entirely rusty underparts, a white ear patch, and a yellow bill.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 30, 2018Nonbreeding Red Phalaropes have a solid gray back and a dark ear patch.
© Connor Cochrane / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 14, 2023Swims on the surface of the water like other phalaropes, picking at aquatic invertebrates.
© Larry Arbanas / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 20, 2007Juvenile Red Phalaropes have white edging on the wings and have a less clean gray back than nonbreeding adults.
© Mark Patry / Macaulay LibraryOntario, November 30, 2013A small shorebird with a long bill that is thicker at the base. This juvenile has white edging on the wings.
© County Lister Brendan / Macaulay LibraryMichigan, September 03, 2019Breeding males are less bright than females, but still have entirely rusty underparts and a white cheek patch.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 29, 2018During molt, mottled with rusty patches on neck and belly. Note yellow bill.
© Paul Fenwick / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, May 06, 2017In flight Red Phalaropes have cleaner underwings and a solid gray back, unlike Red-necked Phalaropes that have dark markings on the underwing and a striped gray back.
© Benjamin Hack / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, September 22, 2019Spends most of the nonbreeding season out at sea where it forms large flocks.
© Luke SeitzMaine, September 11, 2011Click on an image to compare
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View Birds Near MeRed 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.
Larger than a Red-necked Phalarope; smaller than a Red Knot.
robin-sizedSandpipers and Allies(Order: Charadriiformes, Family: Scolopacidae)
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