Image via Macaulay Library
Wilson's Phalarope
- Scientific name
- Phalaropus tricolor
- Family
- Scolopacidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Wetland marsh
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
Wilson's Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor) was formally described by ornithologist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot in 1819. The species is named in honor of the American ornithologist Alexander Wilson, often considered the father of American ornithology, who documented the bird during his extensive field research in the early 19th century. Its taxonomy reflects its place within the Scolopacidae family, specifically adapting to the inland saline lakes and marshes of the American West.
The bird is distinguished by its evolutionary adaptation of reversing traditional sexual dimorphism. Females are larger and more brightly colored than males, taking the lead in courtship and territorial defense, while males perform the primary duties of incubation and chick-rearing. This biological strategy, paired with their unique 'spinning' foraging technique—which creates a vortex to stir up aquatic prey—has made the species a subject of significant interest in studies of avian behavior and reproductive ecology.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birdwatching collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Wilson's Phalarope
Wilson's Phalarope is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. Collectors on collecto.rs track this bird publicly, with photos, condition and acquisition notes.
How many collectors track Wilson's Phalarope on collecto.rs?
Wilson's Phalarope is tracked publicly on collecto.rs. Each collector's profile links to their full collection, their notes, and (when shared) their acquisition history.
Can I track my own copy of Wilson's 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 Wilson's Phalarope catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Wilson's Phalarope is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Where can I see real photos of Wilson's Phalarope?
Click any collector below to see their public Wilson's Phalarope entry — photos, condition, edition, and (when shared) acquisition cost.
Is tracking birdwatching free on collecto.rs?
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
