phalarope
noun
phal·a·rope
ˈfa-lə-ˌrōp 
plural phalaropes also phalarope
: any of a genus (Phalaropus) of small shorebirds related to sandpipers but distinguished by their lobed toes and preference for swimming
Examples of phalarope in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Flamingos’ feeding prowess can even benefit other birds: A 2018 study found that Wilson’s phalaropes can double their food intake by following behind a stomping flamingo.
—
Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
Wilson's phalaropes, American oystercatchers and wood storks.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
Mono Lake provides habitat for imperiled shorebirds such as Wilson’s phalaropes, which stop at saline lakes during their long migrations, feeding on brine flies and other invertebrates.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2024
Then there is Wilson’s phalarope, an unusual shorebird that often lives inland, despite a predilection for salt water.
—Emily Anthes, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2023
Among the birds counted on a seabird survey at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary were 75 great shearwaters, 16 sooty shearwaters, 2,200 Wilson’s storm-petrels, two red phalaropes, and five parasitic jaegers.
—BostonGlobe.com, 5 Aug. 2023
Other Plum Island sightings were highlighted by an unseasonal merlin and a red-necked phalarope.
—BostonGlobe.com, 5 Aug. 2023
Meanwhile, in some of the species, such as the red-necked phalarope and belted kingfisher, the female bird actually displays more color than the male.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 July 2023
Birds blown in at Race Point in Provincetown included 43 red-necked phalaropes, a razorbill, 5 parasitic jaegers, 24 black-legged kittiwakes, a black tern, 3 Arctic terns, an Iceland gull, 60 Wilson’s storm-petrels, 4 sooty shearwaters, and 8 Manx shearwaters.
—BostonGlobe.com, 14 June 2023
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Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
Wilson's phalaropes, American oystercatchers and wood storks.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
Mono Lake provides habitat for imperiled shorebirds such as Wilson’s phalaropes, which stop at saline lakes during their long migrations, feeding on brine flies and other invertebrates.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2024
Then there is Wilson’s phalarope, an unusual shorebird that often lives inland, despite a predilection for salt water.
—Emily Anthes, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2023
Among the birds counted on a seabird survey at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary were 75 great shearwaters, 16 sooty shearwaters, 2,200 Wilson’s storm-petrels, two red phalaropes, and five parasitic jaegers.
—BostonGlobe.com, 5 Aug. 2023
Other Plum Island sightings were highlighted by an unseasonal merlin and a red-necked phalarope.
—BostonGlobe.com, 5 Aug. 2023
Meanwhile, in some of the species, such as the red-necked phalarope and belted kingfisher, the female bird actually displays more color than the male.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 July 2023
Birds blown in at Race Point in Provincetown included 43 red-necked phalaropes, a razorbill, 5 parasitic jaegers, 24 black-legged kittiwakes, a black tern, 3 Arctic terns, an Iceland gull, 60 Wilson’s storm-petrels, 4 sooty shearwaters, and 8 Manx shearwaters.
—BostonGlobe.com, 14 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Phalarope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phalarope. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
phalarope
noun
phal·a·rope
ˈfal-ə-ˌrōp
: any of various small shorebirds that resemble sandpipers but have thicker toes and are good swimmers
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