A phalarope is any of three living species of slender-necked shorebirds in the genus Phalaropus of the bird family Scolopacidae.
They are especially notable for two things: their unusual nesting behavior, and their unique feeding technique.
Two species, the Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius, and Red-necked Phalarope (P. lobatus) breed around the Arctic Circle and winter on tropical oceans. Wilson's Phalarope (P. tricolor) breeds in western North America and migrates to South America. All are grey and white in winter, their plumage develops reddish markings in summer.
Females are larger and more brightly colored than males. The females pursue males, compete for nesting territory, and will aggressively defend their nests and chosen mates. Once the females lay their eggs, they begin their southward migration, leaving the males to incubate the eggs and care for the young.
