Wilson's Phalarope vs Grey Phalarope

In short

Wilson's Phalarope and Grey Phalarope can be distinguished by their rump and wing patterns in flight: Wilson's has a white rump and plain wings, while Grey Phalarope lacks these features. Wilson's is more terrestrial, often found inland, whereas Grey Phalarope is strongly pelagic.

Identification tips

1. In flight, look for Wilson's Phalarope's white rump and plain wings. 2. Breeding plumage: Wilson's females have a black head stripe; Grey Phalarope females are more uniform. 3. Nonbreeding plumage: Wilson's has a longer, thinner bill and yellow legs, while Grey Phalarope is chunkier with a more uniform gray. 4. Habitat: Wilson's is found inland; Grey is pelagic. 5. Behavior: Wilson's spins in shallow water; Grey swims in deeper waters.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but Wilson's Phalarope is slightly smaller and more slender than the Grey Phalarope.

Plumage

In breeding plumage, Wilson's Phalarope females have a distinctive black stripe down the pale head and neck, while Grey Phalarope females are more uniformly colored. In nonbreeding plumage, Wilson's has a long thin bill and indistinct face pattern, whereas Grey Phalarope has a chunkier appearance with a more uniform gray plumage.

Behaviour

Wilson's Phalarope is often found spinning in shallow water to stir up food, while Grey Phalarope is more likely to be seen swimming in deeper, open waters.

Habitat

Wilson's Phalarope is typically found in inland wetlands and marshes, while Grey Phalarope is primarily pelagic, found in coastal and open ocean environments.