Red-necked Phalarope
Where to Look
- Open ocean throughout the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Similar Galapagos Species
Red Phalarope
Identification
Dark eye patch seperates this species from Wilson’s Phalarope. Often occurs in mixed flocks with less common Red Phalarope, from which it is best seperated on account of its longer bill and streaked or mottled, not plain, grey back.
Description
A small sandpiper with a long black bill and long legs. Non-breeding adult has grey streaked or mottled upperparts, white underparts and a white head with a dark crown and nape and black ear coverts. Sexes indistinguishable in non-breeding plumage.
Galapagos Distribution
Found throughout the archipelago, usually at sea and rarely in lagoons on larger islands. Forms large flocks of up to a thousand out at sea.
Global Distribution
Breeds in the arctic and overwinters at sea around Indonesia, the Arabian Peninsula and the west coast of Central and South America.
Status in the Galapagos
Common non-breeding migrant. Recorded in all months except June, but most common August to April, peaking December to January. One of the most abundant Galapagos migrants.