Red-necked Phalarope (Yukon Species of Conservation Concern Guide)

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

Special Concern (2014) ⁴

The Red-necked Phalarope has declined across the continent over the past 40 years. In Yukon declines have been noted particularly at Herschel Island, Shingle Point, and Old Crow Flats. In Yukon, it breeds primarily in the north, but can be found on ponds throughout most of the territory. Red-necked Phalaropes spend the winter in large ocks at sea, primarily at upwellings off Peru, eating surface zooplankton.

Description ⁴

A small shorebird; in breeding season blue-grey and white, easily recognized by the brick-red colour of the sides and base of the neck. Females are larger and more brightly-coloured than males. Outside the breeding season, Red- necked Phalaropes are white below and around the face, with a dark eye stripe, crown and back.

Typical Habitat in Yukon ⁴

Breeds in low Arctic and subarctic wetlands; near ponds, lakes, or streams. Open areas near wetlands are required for nesting.

Potential Threats in Yukon ⁴

The likely greatest local threat is a rapidly changing climate with associated habitat and food-web effects. Threats during the non-breeding season include changes in ocean temperature, salinity and currents as a result of climate change; chronic oiling and point- source oil spills; and ingestion of microplastics.

Did You Know? ⁴

All phalaropes exhibit gender-role reversal: unlike most other birds, females are larger and more brightly coloured than the males. Shortly after egg-laying, females desert the nest and leave to search for other mates. Males incubate the eggs and care for the young when they are small. Unlike other shorebirds, phalaropes have lobed feet and swim on the surface of ponds and lakes.

Sources and Credits

More Info

Range Map

iNaturalist.ca Map

Animal	Bird
Bird	Shore Birds (Charadriiformes)
Color	black, grey, red, white

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