Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

The Red Phalarope, also known as the Grey Phalarope, is a small shorebird that breeds in the Arctic and winters at sea. During the breeding season, the female is more brightly colored than the male and takes the lead in courtship and nesting. Red Phalaropes are unique among shorebirds in that they are known for their reverse sexual dimorphism, with females being larger and more brightly colored than males. They are highly migratory, traveling long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds. Red Phalaropes are adept swimmers and often forage by swimming in small circles to stir up food from the water.

Habitat: Arctic tundra, coastal areas, open ocean