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Red Phalarope

Silhouette ShorebirdsShorebirds
Red PhalaropePhalaropus fulicarius
  • ORDER: Charadriiformes
  • FAMILY: Scolopacidae

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.

More ID Info
image of range map for Red Phalarope
Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding
Range map provided by Birds of the World
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Other Names

  • Falaropo Picogrueso (Spanish)
  • Phalarope à bec large (French)
  • Cool Facts