Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius)

Identification & Behavior: ~18.5 cm (7.2 in). The Red Phalarope in basic plumage has pale gray upperparts, white face, and white rest of the underparts. It has a distinctive black ear patch and pale on the base of the mandible. The female in alternate plumage is rich rufous or brick red with white cheeks and dusky back.  In basic plumage, it is similar to the Red-necked Phalarope but is distinguished by having a thicker bill with pale at the base of the mandible. It is also similar to the Wilson’s Phalarope, but is distinguished by having a black ear patch, thicker bill, and pale on the base of the mandible.

Status: The Red Phalarope is a common Boreal migrant to pelagic water off the coast of Peru. It is generally not present in waters within 50 km from the coast although some individuals may appear at coastal lagoons. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Bo, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Faláropo de Pico Grueso.

Sub-species: Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius), Linnaeus 1758.

Meaning of Name: Phalaropus: Gr. phalaris = coot; and pous = foot. fulicarius: L. fulica, coot.

See more of the Family Scolopacidae