Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicaria

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 6.5 inches
* Fairly small shorebird
* Often swims, spinning about and picking at the water
* Thick, straight bill
* Dark-centered rump
* Wide white stripe in wing

Adult female alternate:

* Red underparts and neck
* White face and dark crown
* Black back with buff feather edges
* Yellow bill
* Adult male alternate similar but considerably duller

Adult basic:

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

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
* White 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-necked Phalarope is similar in juvenile and basic plumages but has a thinner bill and a thinner white wing stripe.