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Wilson's Phalarope
Phalaropus tricolor
In a striking reversal of typical bird roles, the female Wilson's Phalarope is larger and more colorful than the male, sporting a bold black-and-chestnut neck stripe during breeding season. Found in prairie wetlands of North America, it spins in tight circles on the water to stir up invertebrates. Males alone handle nesting and chick-rearing duties.
Fun Fact
Wilson's Phalaropes flip the script on gender roles — females are the colorful ones who compete for mates, while males do all the egg-sitting and chick-rearing.
Attributes
TypeShorebird
Habitatwetland, grassland
SizeSmall
Dietinsects
FlightStandard
Colorsgray, white, brown
MigratoryYes
ContinentsNorth America, South America
Nest Typeground
ConservationLeast Concern
Difficulty: hard