Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus)
Co.Wexford, 02-10-2018
[order] Charadriiformes | [family] Scolopacidae | [latin] Phalaropus lobatus | [UK] Red-Necked Phalarope | [FR] Phalarope bec étroit | [DE] Odinshühnchen | [ES] Falaropo Picofino | [IT] Falaropo becco sottile | [NL] Grauwe Franjepoot | [IRL] Falaróp gobchaol
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 31 cm
spanwidth max.: 34 cm
size min.: 18 cm
size max.: 19 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 17 days
incubation max.: 21 days
fledging min.: 18 days
fledging max.: 22 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 3
eggs max.: 4
Status: A rare summer visitor in variable numbers off the west coast from May to October. Has bred in Ireland and efforts are being made to re-establish the breeding population.
Conservation Concern: Red-listed in Ireland due to its very small breeding population, as well as having undergone a historic decline. The European population has been evaluated as Secure.
Identification: The same size as Dunlin. Adult summer Red-necked Phalaropes are very distinctive and are unlikely to be confused with any other wading bird in Ireland. The upperparts and head are mostly lead grey, contrasting with the white underparts. Has a white throat patch, as well as an obvious red line extending from the throat along the neck to just behind the eye. The legs and bill are dark, with latter being long and very thin - almost needle-like. Male Red-necked Phalaropes tend to be less brightly marked than females. Birds in adult winter plumage are very similar to Grey Phalarope, differing subtly in patterning of the back and the size of the bill. Predominantly grey and white, with a black stripe through the eye.
Similar Species: In flight Sanderling, Knot and Dunlin; Grey Phalarope
Call: Usually silent when seen in Ireland.
Diet: Feeds on a wide variety of macro-invertebrates and crustaceans, as well as plankton on the open ocean. Has a curious habit of spinning around while feeding.
Breeding: Sexual roles are reversed in Red-necked Phalaropes, with several females competing for males. The latter incubate the eggs, as well as tending to the young. Has bred in Ireland, most recently in County Mayo. The majority of the European population breeds in Iceland and Scandinavia with a few pairs (<50) in northern Scotland. Conservation work is ongoing in County Mayo to reestablish a breeding population there.
Wintering: This species winters in the Arabian Sea feeding on plankton far from land.
Where to see: Is not seen annually in Ireland and there are no reliable sites to see this species in Ireland. Recent sightings have been from Counties Dublin, Wexford, Offaly, Limerick, Wicklow and Mayo.
Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus)
Co.Wexford, 02-10-2018
[order] Charadriiformes | [family] Scolopacidae | [latin] Phalaropus lobatus | [UK] Red-Necked Phalarope | [FR] Phalarope bec étroit | [DE] Odinshühnchen | [ES] Falaropo Picofino | [IT] Falaropo becco sottile | [NL] Grauwe Franjepoot | [IRL] Falaróp gobchaol
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 31 cm
spanwidth max.: 34 cm
size min.: 18 cm
size max.: 19 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 17 days
incubation max.: 21 days
fledging min.: 18 days
fledging max.: 22 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 3
eggs max.: 4
Status: A rare summer visitor in variable numbers off the west coast from May to October. Has bred in Ireland and efforts are being made to re-establish the breeding population.
Conservation Concern: Red-listed in Ireland due to its very small breeding population, as well as having undergone a historic decline. The European population has been evaluated as Secure.
Identification: The same size as Dunlin. Adult summer Red-necked Phalaropes are very distinctive and are unlikely to be confused with any other wading bird in Ireland. The upperparts and head are mostly lead grey, contrasting with the white underparts. Has a white throat patch, as well as an obvious red line extending from the throat along the neck to just behind the eye. The legs and bill are dark, with latter being long and very thin - almost needle-like. Male Red-necked Phalaropes tend to be less brightly marked than females. Birds in adult winter plumage are very similar to Grey Phalarope, differing subtly in patterning of the back and the size of the bill. Predominantly grey and white, with a black stripe through the eye.
Similar Species: In flight Sanderling, Knot and Dunlin; Grey Phalarope
Call: Usually silent when seen in Ireland.
Diet: Feeds on a wide variety of macro-invertebrates and crustaceans, as well as plankton on the open ocean. Has a curious habit of spinning around while feeding.
Breeding: Sexual roles are reversed in Red-necked Phalaropes, with several females competing for males. The latter incubate the eggs, as well as tending to the young. Has bred in Ireland, most recently in County Mayo. The majority of the European population breeds in Iceland and Scandinavia with a few pairs (<50) in northern Scotland. Conservation work is ongoing in County Mayo to reestablish a breeding population there.
Wintering: This species winters in the Arabian Sea feeding on plankton far from land.
Where to see: Is not seen annually in Ireland and there are no reliable sites to see this species in Ireland. Recent sightings have been from Counties Dublin, Wexford, Offaly, Limerick, Wicklow and Mayo.