This bird was found on an inland water South Wales, UK. It was in very good condition and feeding well despite having lost its right foot. Obviously it was blown slightly off course as it should be wintering at sea off the coast of West Africa. Is it possible to sex these birds in this winter plumage?
All information would be very welcome.
It is not possible to sex phalaropes in winter or juvenile plumages. BTW this is a 1st winter bird because of the dark tertials & pale edges to the coverts.
Wayne - thank you very much for taking the trouble to answer my question and giving me further info. re. 1st winter bird and why. This is one bird I would really like to be able to photograph in breeding plumage! Because of their migration route we occasionally get them turning up along the west coast of the UK, usually Sept. to October, but apparently one was recorded several years ago in N England in breeding plumage. There is only this one record and I am trying to find out more details.
Thanks again for your help
Ah, our Red Phalarope. Thanks for posting it here Melvin. Just get up to Barrow, AK in June for lots of these in breeding plumage :)
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