The Red Phalarope is striking in its brilliant red breeding (alternate) plumage, but few get to see it that way on its breeding grounds in Arctic Canada and the north slope of Alaska. It is far more frequently seen as a nonbreeding migrant in its drabber gray and white basic plumage, when it is often found together with nonbreeding Red-necked Phalaropes. Red Phalarope is distinguished by its larger size, heavier bill, and especially by its plain gray back with no streaking.
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Red Phalarope – nonbreeding
Offshore Monterey Bay, California
September 11, 2011 ©John Schwarz
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Red Phalarope – nonbreeding
Offshore Monterey Bay, California
September 11, 2011 ©John Schwarz
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Red Phalarope – nonbreeding
Offshore Monterey Bay, California
September 11, 2011 ©John Schwarz
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Red Phalarope – juvenile
Barrow, AK
October 5, 2013
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Red Phalarope – juvenile
Barrow, AK
October 5, 2013
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Red Phalarope – juvenile
Barrow, AK
October 5, 2013
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Red Phalarope – juvenile
Barrow, AK
October 5, 2013
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Red Phalarope – juvenile
Barrow, AK
October 5, 2013
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Red Phalarope (ahead) with Red-necked Phalarope
Nantucket Shoals, MA
September 28, 2014 ©John Schwarz