Red Phalarope look-alikes

Key differences

The Red-necked Phalarope is smaller and more slender-billed. In breeding plumage, it has a prominent rufous patch on the sides of the neck, not extensive red underparts. In non-breeding plumage, it has a finer bill and a less extensive dark eye patch that doesn't extend to the hindcrown as much as in Red Phalarope.

Key differences

Wilson's Phalarope is larger, with a very long, needle-like bill. In breeding plumage, females have a distinctive black stripe through the eye extending down the neck, bordered by rufous. Non-breeding birds are very pale grey above and white below, lacking the strong dark eye patch of the Red Phalarope.