About Phalaropus lobatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Taxonomy and Size
The red-necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus (Linnaeus, 1758)) measures approximately 18 cm (7.1 in) in length. It has lobed toes and a straight, fine bill; the lobed toes help the bird when swimming.
Breeding Female Plumage
Breeding females are predominantly dark grey on their upperparts, with a chestnut-colored neck and upper breast, a black face, and a white throat. All individuals of this species have a white wing stripe, a feature that helps distinguish it from the similar Wilson's phalarope.
Breeding Male Plumage
Breeding males are a duller-colored version of breeding females. Young red-necked phalaropes are grey and brown on the upperparts, with buff underparts and a black patch that runs through the eye.
Non-breeding Plumage
In winter, the species' plumage is mostly grey on the upperparts and white on the underparts, but the black eyepatch is always present year-round. The call of the red-necked phalarope is sharp, and has been described as whit or twit.
