Key information
These small, delicate waders are adapted well to spending a lot of time on water. Unlike other waders, phalaropes have lobed toes which enable them to swim strongly when on pools or out at sea. They spend most of their time in the water but can equally run about on land. The duller coloured male looks after the eggs and young after laying. As a rare UK breeding species it is a Red List bird. They are listed under Schedule 1 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act.
What they eat:
Mainly insects.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 17-19cm
- Wingspan:
- 32-41cm
- Weight:
- 27-48g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 22 males
- UK passage:
- 30 birds
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Red-necked phalarope (adult female)
Red-necked phalarope (winter plumage)
