Red Phalarope

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.