Red-necked Phalarope
by
Shop
Phalaropus lobatus
Very rare Summer breeder in Scotland with 30-60 pairs, mainly in Shetland & Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
Also breeds in Northern Europe.
Commoner in Iceland & North America.
Rare migrants elsewhere.
Breeding Females are predominantly dark grey above, with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat.
They have a white wing stripe.
Breeding Males are a duller version of the Female.
They have lobed toes to assist with their swimming.
Juveniles are grey and brown above, with buff underparts and a black patch through the eye.
Winter birds essentially grey above and white below, but the black eyepatch is always present.
They have a sharp call described as a whit or twit.
They have a thin bill.