The red-necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) breeding female is predominantly dark grey above, with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat. The breeding male is a duller version of the female. They have lobed toes to assist with their swimming. In fact, the name Phalarope comes from a Latin/Greek combination meaning coot foot – phalaropes have lobed toes like coots. Also known as the northern phalarope and hyperborean phalarope, it breeds in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia, and winters at sea on tropical oceans.
