Wilson's Phalarope

Wilson's Phalaropes are small wading birds found across a wide range of the western New World. These migratory birds breed in western Canada and the north and northwestern United States. For the winter, they travel down to South America, with some birds reaching the southern tip of the continent.

As seen in other phalarope species, female Wilson's Phalaropes are larger than males, and have a brighter, more colorful plumage than their partners. Partner is also a strong word, as the females typically leave parental care of chicks exclusively to the male birds. Our Birdorable illustration depicts a female Wilson's Phalarope.

Wilson's Phalarope is named for the prolific Scottish-American ornithologist Alexander Wilson. Wilson's Warbler, Wilson's Snipe, Wilson's Plover, and Wilson's Storm-Petrel are also named after the famed bird scientist.