Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

The Wilson's Phalarope is a striking shorebird known for its unique feeding behavior. During the breeding season, the female is more brightly colored than the male, with a gray-brown back and a distinctive black mask. This species is known for its remarkable ability to swim and forage for food in shallow water, spinning in tight circles to stir up aquatic invertebrates. Outside of the breeding season, both males and females display a more subdued plumage. Wilson's Phalaropes breed in North America and migrate to South America for the winter. They are often found in freshwater marshes and wetlands, where they feed on insects and small crustaceans.

Habitat: Freshwater marshes and wetlands