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Red-necked Phalarope - BirdForum Opus

Revision as of 17:43, 22 November 2007 by Kits (talk | contribs)
Phalaropus lobatus
Photo by jakobs
shot in Iceland

Identification

18 cm. The breeding female is dark grey above, chesnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. Young birds are grey and brown above, with buff underparts and a black eye patch. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below, but the black eyepatch is always present. Females are larger and more brightly coloured than males.


Distribution

Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia.


Taxonomy

Habitat

Open waters and marshy areas.

Behaviour

The females pursue males, compete for nesting territory, and will 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 look after the young. 3-7 eggs are laid in a ground nest near a marshy area. The young mainly feed themselves and are able to fly within 20 days of birth.

Diet includes small insects or crustaceans.

Bird Song

<flashmp3>Phalaropus lobatus (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program

External Links

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