Red-necked phalaropes and Wilson’s phalaropes are two similar-looking shorebird species found in North America. Both are members of the phalarope family, which contains three species known for their unusual habit of swimming in circles to stir up insects and other prey from the water’s surface.
While red-necked and Wilson’s phalaropes overlap in range and habitat, there are some key differences between these two species in terms of identification, breeding behavior, migration patterns, and conservation status. Below we will explore these differences in detail.
Identification
Red-necked and Wilson’s phalaropes can be tricky to distinguish in the field. Here are some tips for telling them apart:
Breeding Plumage
– Red-necked phalaropes have a distinctive red or rust-colored neck and breast patch in breeding plumage. Wilson’s lack this bright color and instead have pale gray necks and underparts.
– Red-necked phalaropes have a bold black stripe through the eye. Wilson’s have a faint gray eyeline.
– Wilson’s phalaropes have finer, sharper facial markings compared to the blurrier facial pattern of red-necked.
Non-breeding Plumage
– In winter plumage, the best mark to separate them is the bill. Red-necked phalaropes have a stout, straight needle-like bill. Wilson’s have a thinner bill that is slightly decurved.
– Look for subtle differences in face pattern – Wilson’s have a cleaner white cheek and forehead, while red-necked have a dirtier wash of gray.
– Subtle differences in leg color can help too – Wilson’s legs are black, while red-necked legs are bluish-gray.
Size and Shape
– Wilson’s phalaropes are smaller and more delicate overall, with a slimmer, rounder head profile.
– Red-necked phalaropes are larger-bodied and have a blockier head shape.
– In flight, Wilson’s wings look longer and more pointed compared to the blunter-tipped wings of red-necked.
Breeding Behavior
The breeding strategies of these two phalarope species also differ in some interesting ways:
Nesting
– Red-necked phalaropes nest in wetlands across subarctic regions of Alaska, Canada, and Eurasia. They build well-concealed nests along lake and pond edges.
– Wilson’s phalaropes nest primarily in wet prairie habitats across the northern Great Plains and western North America. They nest right in shallow wetlands with little vegetation concealment.
Parental Roles
– Red-necked phalaropes exhibit typical shorebird sex-role reversal – females are larger, more colorful, and defend breeding territories while males provide all incubation and chick care.
– Wilson’s phalaropes have less extreme role reversal. Females are still somewhat larger and more colorful, but males and females share incubation and brood care duties more equally.
Mating Strategy
– Red-necked phalaropes are generally monogamous, with pair bonds lasting one breeding season.
– Wilson’s phalaropes commonly practice polyandry, with females mating with multiple males. They exhibit sequential polyandry, forming a bond with one male until he begins incubation, then seeking additional mates.
Migration
The migration strategies and wintering grounds of these species also differ:
Fall Migration
– Red-necked phalaropes migrate south via coastal routes across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to reach wintering areas.
– Wilson’s phalaropes take interior continental routes across North America to reach the coast of South America.
Wintering Range
– Red-necked phalaropes primarily winter at sea, concentrating along the west coast of South America and near the Arabian Peninsula.
– Wilson’s phalaropes winter mainly in inland wetlands and saline lakes of southern South America.
Spring Migration
– Red-necked phalaropes return to Arctic breeding grounds via the same oceanic corridors.
– Wilson’s phalaropes again follow interior routes back north through North America.
Conservation Status
Finally, these two phalarope species differ in their current conservation needs:
Red-necked Phalarope
– Population is estimated at 2.5 million birds and appears to be stable currently.
– Not considered threatened or endangered.
– Sensitive to disturbance at coastal staging areas during migration. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key sites.
Wilson’s Phalarope
– Population estimated at just 600,000 birds and undergoing long-term declines.
– Populations have diminished by as much as 75% in past 50 years.
– Identified as a Common Bird in Steep Decline by Partners in Flight.
– Habitat loss in breeding and wintering grounds is main threat. Conservation efforts seek to restore wetland ecosystems.
Conclusion
In summary, while red-necked and Wilson’s phalaropes share some similar behaviors and adaptations, there are clear differences between these species in terms of field marks, breeding strategies, migration patterns, and conservation status. Red-necked phalaropes are more numerous currently, while Wilson’s populations are in steeper decline. Understanding these differences is key for proper identification and supporting needed conservation efforts for both species. When observing phalaropes, pay close attention to details of plumage, size and proportions, bill shape, and geographic range to distinguish these unique Arctic-breeding shorebirds.
