The Red Phalarope is the most pelagic of the three phalaropes, spending winter far offshore on the open ocean. In breeding plumage the female's rich chestnut-red underparts are stunning against a white face — a role reversal where the female is more colorful. It has a stouter yellow bill than the Red-necked Phalarope. It sometimes gathers in large flocks around upwellings rich in krill.
Best time to see a Red Phalarope
The best time to see a Red Phalarope is September–January, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,399 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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