Watercolor portrait of Wilson's Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor)

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor
Breeds across interior western and centr… Shallow freshwater marshes and prairie p… Uncommon to locally common Courtship trill

Learn to identify the Wilson's Phalarope by ear. Master the "rapid, dry prrri-prrri-prrri" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“rapid, dry prrri-prrri-prrri”

What the Wilson's Phalarope sounds like

Wilson's Phalarope is a graceful, long-legged shorebird famous for its whirling feeding dance. Unlike most birds, the female wears the brighter breeding plumage and races from pond to pond in search of mates, while the drabber male incubates the eggs. In migration great flocks gather on saline lakes where the birds gorge on invertebrates before an astonishing, nonstop flight to South America.

“rapid, dry prrri-prrri-prrri”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Given mainly by the female while circling over the breeding marsh; a short burst of 3–6 buzzing trills. Often written as “rapid, dry prrri-prrri-prrri”.
Don't confuse with:The Red-necked Phalarope — smaller and daintier.

Where you'll hear it

Shallow freshwater marshes and prairie potholes in the breeding season; alkaline and saline lakes, flooded fields, and coastal lagoons during migration; high-Andean wetlands and lowland lagoons on the South American pampas in winter.

Arrives on breeding grounds April–May; nesting May–July; southbound migration July–September; returns north March–May.

Similar species

Red-necked Phalarope

Smaller and daintier.

Red Phalarope

Stockier with shorter bill.

Wilson's Phalarope song FAQ

What does a Wilson's Phalarope sound like?
Given mainly by the female while circling over the breeding marsh; a short burst of 3–6 buzzing trills. Listen for the "rapid, dry prrri-prrri-prrri" phrase.
How do I tell a Wilson's Phalarope from a Red-necked Phalarope by sound?
Red-necked Phalarope: Smaller and daintier.; Breeding bird has vivid rusty neck ring but dark gray back.; Nonbreeding bird darker gray with bold dark ear patch..
When is the best time to hear a Wilson's Phalarope?
Arrives on breeding grounds April–May; nesting May–July; southbound migration July–September; returns north March–May.