Wilson's Phalarope

Wilson's Phalaropes are Rare in Western Washington from May-August.

Habitat

Wilson's Phalaropes are found mostly on fresh water, During migration, they inhabit shallow ponds, flooded fields, and sometimes mudflats. 

Behavior

These active birds pick small bits of food from the water's surface. When swimming, they spin in tight circles and create upwellings of food, although Wilson's Phalaropes do this less than the other two phalaropes. In comparison to Red and Red-necked Phalaropes, Wilson's Phalaropes forage more often in shallow water or on shore. They regularly occur with American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts, but they forage in denser habitat and run about more actively than other shoreline-foragers.