Grey Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

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Brief #

Female is predominantly dark brown and black above, with red underparts and white cheek patches. The bill is yellow, tipped black.

Synonyms #

  • Falaropo picogrueso (Spanish)
  • Falaropo de bico groso (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Grey Phalarope is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

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.

Measurements #

Length: 20 - 22 cm
Wingspan: 34 - 41 cm
Weight: 50 - 75 g