Wilson's Phalarope

by Ruth Jolly

Title

Wilson's Phalarope

Artist

Ruth Jolly

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Wilson's Phalarope the Wilson's Phalarope was first described in 1819 by Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot, a French ornithologist. Its common name commemorates the American ornithologist Alexander Wilson. The draining of prairie wetland breeding habitat and the diversion of water from major staging areas pose threats to this colorful shorebird.
This bird is the largest of the phalaropes and is often very tame and approachable. Unlike the other phalaropes, this species does not have fully lobed toes and so rarely swims, spending no time at sea.
A group of phalaropes has many collective nouns, including a "dopping", "swirl", "twirl", "whirl", and "whirligig" of phalaropes. In winter, both sexes have grey-white plumage without any warm colors. These medium-sized shorebirds average 2.1 ounces in weight and 8.5 inches in length, with pointed wings that span 17 inches. Females are substantially larger and can weigh as much as 40% more than males. This one was spotted in Gilbert, Arizona. Fine Art America watermark will not appear on purchased artwork.

Uploaded

July 29th, 2013

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