Grey Phalarope (species: Phalaropus fulicarius) in Monterey Bay, California (Gaia Guide)
Phalaropus fulicarius
Grey Phalarope


©David A. Hofmann: Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius) winter plumage

©Gerald Corsi and Buff Corsi: Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius)

©Allan Hopkins: Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius) male in summer plumage
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Charadriiformes
Family Scolopacidae
Genus Phalaropus
Species Phalaropus fulicarius
Status least concern

Colours

                        

Distinguishing features

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. Young birds are light grey and brown above, with buff underparts and a dark patch through the eye. In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below, but the black eyepatch is always present. The bill is black in winter. (Wikipedia)

Size

  • Up to 21 cm (Length of specimen)

Wingspan

  • Up to 43 cm

Synonyms

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution: Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius)

Web resources

References

  • Simpson, K., N. Day and P. Trusler (2004). Field Guide to Birds of Australia: 7th Edition Penguin Group (Australia), Camberwell, Victoria.