female transitioning to red breeding plumage (California, USA; 2010-05-29)


Red Phalarope
Phalaropus fulicarius

Native Range: North America and Eurasia

Notes: nests on tundra ponds, migrates at sea; like all phalaropes, shows sex-role-reversal in the sense that females are more brightly colored, actively court males, and may seduce multiple males who then tend the nests and resulting clutches.


two-toned bill with yellow base and black tip; (California, USA; 2010-05-29)

nonbreeding plumage; gray back, wing stripe (California, USA; 2006-08-13)

nonbreeding plumage, ventral view (California, USA; 2006-08-13)

at sea with Red-necked Phalaropes to right (California, USA; 2006-08-13)