Phalarope

A small, slender-billed shorebird of the family *Scolopacidae*, known for its unique foraging behavior of spinning in circles on the water's surface, presumably to stir up invertebrates. There are three recognized species: the red-necked phalarope (*Phalaropus lobatus*), the red phalarope (*Phalaropus fulicarius*), and the Wilson's phalarope (*Phalaropus tricolor*). Phalaropes exhibit reverse sexual dimorphism, where the females are more brightly colored and larger than the males. They are highly migratory birds, breeding in Arctic and subarctic regions and wintering in the open ocean. Their plumage often changes dramatically between breeding and non-breeding seasons, displaying striking variations in color and pattern. They possess lobed toes, facilitating movement on water, and are adept swimmers.

Phalarope meaning with examples

• During a birdwatching trip to the Arctic tundra, we observed a flock of red-necked phalaropes elegantly spinning on the surface of a shallow lake, their delicate movements a mesmerizing sight. Their distinctive foraging technique, combined with their graceful form, captured the attention of every single observer.
• The naturalist pointed out the subtle differences in plumage, explaining how the female Wilson's phalarope, with its vibrant red and gray markings, was even more conspicuous than the male, a classic case of avian role reversal in this species. A couple of observers managed to take a picture of the bird at feeding time.
• Researchers studied the migration patterns of phalaropes using satellite trackers, unveiling the extraordinary distances these tiny birds travel each year. The information provided by those satellite tags illustrated the incredible physical endurance of the birds.
• The shorebirds were observed floating and feeding in the lake. A birder showed an image of a phalarope that displayed the striking differences between its breeding and non-breeding plumages, highlighting the bird's adaptability.