Image via Macaulay Library
Red Phalarope
- Scientific name
- Phalaropus fulicarius
- Family
- Scolopacidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Aquatic ocean
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The Red Phalarope, known as the Grey Phalarope in Europe, is a small wading bird that has fascinated ornithologists for centuries due to its highly specialized evolutionary adaptations. It breeds in the high Arctic tundra during the short summer months and undergoes a remarkable transformation, transitioning from a strikingly reddish-brown plumage during mating season to a subdued, pale grey winter coat. This seasonal shift reflects the bird's survival strategy as it migrates to the open ocean, where it spends the majority of its life swimming and foraging far from land.
The species is distinguished by its unique foraging behavior, often spinning in tight circles on the water's surface to create vortices that bring small invertebrates to the top. Its pointed wings and notched tail are key indicators of its classification within the Scolopacidae family, optimized for long-distance oceanic travel. First formally described in scientific literature during the late 18th century, it remains a subject of study regarding its role as an indicator species for Arctic ecosystem health, valued by birders and biologists alike for its resilience in extreme environments.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Red Phalarope
Red Phalarope is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Red Phalarope on collecto.rs?
Red Phalarope doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Red Phalarope?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Red Phalarope catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Red Phalarope is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
