Bird Guide

Red-necked Phalarope vs Wilson's Phalarope

Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus)

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

Small37 gWetland

The red-necked phalarope is about 18 cm (7.1 in) in length, with lobed toes and a straight, fine bill. The breeding female is predominantly dark grey above, with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. They have a white wing stripe which helps distinguish this bird from the similar Wilson's phalarope. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. They have lobed toes to assist with their swimming. Young birds are grey and brown above, with buff underparts and a black patch through the eye.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0
Photo: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service · Public domain
Wilson's Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor)

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

Wilson's phalarope is slightly larger than the red phalarope at about 23 cm (9.1 in) in length. It is a dainty shorebird with lobed toes and a straight fine black bill. The breeding female is predominantly grey and brown above, with white underparts, a reddish neck and reddish flank patches. The breeding male is a duller version of the female, with a brown back, and the reddish patches reduced or absent. Measurements: Length: 22–24 cm (8.7–9.4 in) Weight: male 30–110 g (1.1–3.9 oz), female 52–128 g (1.8–4.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Rosario Douglas · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Red-necked Phalarope and Wilson's Phalarope.