Red Necked Phalarope
Red-necked Phalarope
Irish Name:
Falaróp gobchaol
Scientific name:
Phalaropus lobatus
Bird Family:
Phalarope
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.
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.
Voice
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.
Red Necked Phalarope
Red-necked Phalarope
Irish Name:
Falaróp gobchaol
Scientific name:
Phalaropus lobatus
Bird Family:
Phalarope
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.
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.
Voice
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.