Red Phalarope

Basic Description

A brilliant red bird with a white face and yellow bill in summer, the Red Phalarope becomes a subdued gray-and-white speck on the open ocean in the nonbreeding season. This transformation helps explain the name often used for this species in Europe: “grey phalarope.” One of only a couple of truly ocean-going shorebirds, Red Phalaropes flock with and closely resemble Red-necked Phalaropes. Look for Red Phalarope’s chunkier shape, thicker bill, and smooth, unstreaked gray back.