About Red Phalarope
The grey phalarope is a small wader that is mostly seen in Iceland during
migration. It spends much of its time at sea rather than at breeding sites.
The species is unusual for spinning on the water surface while feeding.
Its diet consists of plankton and small aquatic invertebrates. Grey
phalaropes breed in Arctic regions and are rare breeders in Iceland. They are
a fascinating visitor to Icelandic waters.
Habitat
Open ocean and coastal areas during migration
Diet
Small crustaceans, insects and other invertebrates.
Nesting habitat
Arctic tundra wetlands; marine outside the breeding season.
Identification
A small swimming wader. The breeding female is strikingly reddish with a dark crown and white cheeks.
Distribution
A rare breeder and migrant, mainly in wetlands and coastal areas.
Interesting facts
The grey phalarope spends most of its life at sea outside the breeding season.