About the Wilson's Phalarope
Wilson's phalarope is a small wader. This bird, the largest of the phalaropes, breeds in the prairies of North America in western Canada and the western United States. It is migratory, wintering in inland salt lakes near the Andes in Argentina. They are passage migrants through Central America around March/April and again during September/October. The species is a rare vagrant to western Europe.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Belgium, Spain, Norway, Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Morocco, Curaçao, Grenada, Turks & Caicos Islands, Finland, St. Barthélemy, St. Kitts & Nevis.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Red-necked PhalaropePhalaropus lobatusThe red-necked phalarope is about 18 cm (7.1 in) in length, with lobed toes and a straight, fine bill.
Red PhalaropePhalaropus fulicariusThe red phalarope is about 21 cm (8.3 in) in length, with lobed toes and a straight bill, somewhat thicker than that of red-necked phalarope.
Side by side: Red-necked Phalarope vs Wilson's Phalarope · Red Phalarope vs Wilson's Phalarope
Learn the Wilson's Phalarope for real
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