Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 6 inches
* Fairly small, long-legged shorebird
* Often swims, spinning about and picking at the water
* Thin, straight, black bill
* Black legs
* Dark-centered rump
* Thin white stripe in wing

Adult female alternate:

* Dark gray head, nape, breast, flanks and back
* White throat with reddish lower border
* Buff streaks on back
* White underparts
* Adult male alternate similar but considerably duller

Adult basic:

* Gray crown and upperparts
* Black eye patch
* White underparts

Juvenile:

* Similar to the basic-plumaged adult
* More distinct face pattern with a prominent dark cap and dark eye stripe
* Buffy wash to the neck and chest
* Pale buffy edges to feathers on back and upperwing coverts

Similar species:

Yellowlegs have longer, brighter yellow legs, spotted upperparts, streaks and bars about head and have a barred tail. Wilson's Phalarope lacks wing stripe, has a white rump and tail, as well as a longer bill. Basic-plumaged Stilt Sandpiper is similar, but Stilt Sandpiper has longer legs, dusky streaks on chest and flanks, and lacks the black patch around the eye. Red Phalarope is similar in juvenile and basic plumages but has a thicker bill and a wider white wing stripe.