ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Wilson's Phalarope

Wilson's Phalarope

Photo by Susan Day/Daybreak Imagery

Of the three phalaropes, this one is probably most likely to be found in Ohio. They are never common, though, with only small numbers reported. Also, care must be taken to separate this species from the similar red-necked phalarope. Wilson's phalarope is a rare breeder, with nesting records at Big Island Wildlife Area in 2000 and again in 2002, and at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

Phalaropes depart from the avian norm; sexual role reversal is a defining feature of their behavior. Females are larger and brighter than males, and leave the incubation of eggs and what little care of the young that takes place to the males.

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Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 16-21 days

• Clutch Size: 4 eggs

• Typical Foods: aquatic invertebrates, insects, and seeds

• Ohio Status: Species of Special Interest

Description
Wilson's phalaropes have long, thin, black bills and a black stripe that runs through the eye and down the neck. The head and back are gray and the belly is white. Females have bolder colors and patterns than the males.

Habitat and Habits
This species inhabits mixed emergent marshes, vegetated ponds and other water bodies; occasionally feeding on mudflats. It is not nearly as prone to swimming in deep, open water as the other two phalaropes. The call is an odd, low grunting sound: woomf, woomf with a distinct nasal quality.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Breeding takes place in Alaska and northern Canada. Nests are hollows in the ground of marshy tundra. The male raises the young.