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Grey phalarope – Phalaropus fulicarius (called red phalarope in the US)
Grey phalarope – Phalaropus fulicarius (called red phalarope in the US)
The red phalarope is about 21 cm (8 inches) in length, with lobed toes and a straight bill, somewhat thicker than that of red-necked phalarope. The breeding female is predominantly dark brown and black above, with red underparts and white cheek patches. The bill is yellow, tipped black. The breeding male is a duller version of the female The typical avian sex roles are reversed in the three phalarope species. Females are larger and more brightly coloured than males. The females pursue males, compete for nesting territory, and will aggressively defend their nests and chosen mates. Once the females lay their olive-brown eggs, they begin their southward migration, leaving the males to incubate the eggs and care for the young. Three to six eggs are laid in a ground nest near water.
This is the sound of a female
Recording by Andrew Spencer from xeno-canto