How to Spot a Red Phalarope

The Red Phalarope is a member of the Sandpiper family who lives primarily at sea or in the coastal tundra of the extreme north in the western hemisphere. You can identify a Red Phalarope by noting these characteristics and habits.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Find the Red Phalarope wintering at sea throughout the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere and along the Pacific coast of Mexico. During migration, look for this bird along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America. In the summer breeding season, the Red Phalarope lives in the tundra near the coasts of Alaska and extreme northern Canada.

2. Note the Red Phalarope's size. This sandpiper measures between 8- to 9- inches long and has a wingspan of 14 to 16 inches. They weigh approximately 2 oz.

3. Observe the appearance. These birds have a white face, a black cap and brownish-gray legs. They have rust colored underparts and their upperparts are dark gray. The feathers on their back have pale brown edges. The bill is thick and yellow with a black tip. The tail and wings are pointed and the wings have a white stripe.

4. Listen to the sounds of the Red Phalarope, made most often during breeding season. It resembles either a sharp "twik" or a musical "clink" sound. Listen to the sounds of the Red Phalarope on the What Bird website (see Resources below).

5. Watch the behavior of the bird. This sandpiper displays rapid wing beats during its swift and direct flight. The Red Phalarope also likes to wade in shallow waters, looking for food.

Tips & Warnings

• Female Red Phalaropes have a brighter coloring and are larger than the males.

Resources

• Listen to the Red Phalarope here.