Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Wilson's Phalarope

Wilson's phalarope The Wilson's phalarope is a shorebird that breeds in the Northern Prairie Pothole Region of North America. It is a migratory species that migrates down to South America for the winter. In breeding they are found in clear shallow wetlands. It is the female phalarope which is larger and more brightly colored. She is the one in charge. She will choose her mate and territory and will defend that territory. Shortly after she lays her eggs she will begin to migrate south leaving the male to incubate the eggs and care for the young. While migrating back to South America they will often stop at bodies of salt water where they will forage for food by swimming in a tight circle. This forms a small whirlpool which helps to bring aquatic insects and crustaceans to the surface.

4 comments:

Judy said...

Beautiful shot! She is pretty bird, and I like the ripples in the water and the way they break up her reflection!

Kathy said...

Great photo. That is one long beak!

lotusleaf said...

Great shot!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

we have gannets that migrate here from Australia.