Red-necked Phalarope

18-20 cm (7-8") Common on breeding ground on Tundra and at sea, uncommon inland in the West.

Robin-sized water bird with a distinctive spinning while swimming habit. Needle-like black bill is as long as its head.

Summer: upperparts dark gray with golden stripes, white throat, bright reddish brown neck - on females across breast.

Winter: like Sanderlings, gray above, white below but is darker backed with a dark patch through eye.

Song: sharp "whit".

Videos

Images

Credit: Jason Crotty

Credit: Jason Crotty

Credit: Alexandra MacKenzie

Credit: Mike Baird