Taxonomy
Phalaropus lobatus | Red-necked Phalarope | Falaróp gobchaol
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
According to the last IUCN Red
List assessment in 2018, the Red-necked Phalarope is a species of ‘Least
Concern’ on a global scale. Its population trend is noted as decreasing on a
global scale however.
Species Biology
Identification
The Red-necked Phalarope is a
small species of wader standing at 17-19 cm in height with a wingspan of 32-41
cm and weighing 27-48 grams.
An adult Red-necked Phalarope
with its summer plumage is quite conspicuous and can be easily distinguished
from other waders in Ireland. It has white underparts, a grey head and back,
and a white patch under the throat that connects to a reddish-orange patch that
runs up the neck, to the side of the face.
The long, narrow protruding bill
is very obvious. Its bill and legs are typically a dark grey-black.
As the male of this species is
the one that looks after the hatched eggs, they are less vibrant in colouration
compared to the more vibrant females.
Diet
This species feeds on various
invertebrates such as plankton, crustaceans and any other aquatic invertebrates
that it comes across.
It will forage for food while
swimming, wading or walking on land.
Habitat
Being a wader, this species can
be found close to or in water such as ponds, marsh and along coastlines during
migration.
Reproduction
This species lays a clutch of
four eggs, each weighing approximately 6.3 grams. The male incubates these eggs
for a period of 17-21 days. The young fledge after a period of 19-21 days.
Conservation actions
There has been an active
programme of habitat management at a site in north-west Mayo to encourage
breeding but with only limited success.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Historically, the Red-necked
Phalarope breed at a small number of sites, but is now confined to just a
couple of breeding sites in Co. Mayo, but breeding is not successful each year.
It is a scarce visitor to the western coasts of the island in spring and
autumn.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/red-necked-phalarope/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/red-necked-phalarope/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob5640.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22693490/155525960