Birds of North America Home Page

Field Guide for all the Birds of North America


Phalaropes

Phalaropes

Scolopacidae

Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities

There are three species of phalaropes in North America. The Red Phalarope is found in the most northern regions of the continent while the Red-necked Phalarope lives in the arctic tundra as well. The Wilson's Phalarope can be found up to the northern areas of the provinces right across Canada and is more commonly seen in the West.

phalaropes

Phalaropes differ from most bird species as the female is more colourful than the male. These birds are also known for their feeding styles. They spin themselves in tight circles in the water, creating small whirlpools that bring the food to the surface, where they can eat it. Although they have legs like sandpipers, phalaropes are very good swimmers and are often seen swimming in deeper water.

Click on bird images or names to see pictures of the Phalaropes

References to Other Bird Sites:

Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.

ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.

I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.


Classic Collection of North American Birds

CCNAB