The Friendly Migratory Bird - Red-necked Phalarope
One of the most uplifting moments in Hong Kong during spring time is the sight of passage flocks of various birds in the sky. Among the feathered visitors, sandpipers and phalaropes are in a big family, and there are spectacular sights as thousands of individuals of various species can be found probing for food in the Deep Bay area. Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) is the most “friendly” member of the family. Apart from Deep Bay, this wader can be spotted in various places across Hong Kong, even in the heart of the city. Let’s catch up with the visitors face to face at this time of the year!
The Scolopacidae family is rather large, with nearly one hundred species. Most of them are grey or brown waders with long legs and long bills, foraging on the coast or in shallow water. Red-necked Phalarope is relatively small and slender. The wader is predominantly grey and white in winter plumage. During the breeding season, however, its wings darken and feathers near the neck turn orange red - particularly so in breeding females. Thus giving rise to both its Chinese and English common names.
The Chinese name of Red-necked Phalarope also refers to the unique toes of phalaropes. Unlike most other waders, the species is able can swim for long hours on water - especially thanks to the distinctive lobed toes. The toes, instead of being webbed like those of ducks, are fused like flower petals and look lovely!
If you are curious to observe these interesting toes, you have to wait patiently for the wader to go onshore, which is infrequent. Besides Red-necked Phalarope, grebes and coots also have lobed toes. In fact, “Phalarope” originates from the ancient Greek words for “coot-foot”.
The little bird that does not shy away from people
Red-necked Phalarope has a sharp, long bill that helps it to feed on small aquatic invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans and molluscs, as well as seeds. Its feeding behaviour is special too - first swimming in small rapid circles and then pecking at the prey trapped in the whirlpools it creates.
The mating behaviour of Red-necked Phalarope stands out from other birds, in that the female often mates with several males in sequence. After building the nest and laying eggs, the female will leave immediately, without taking part in incubating the eggs and raising the young. It’s the father that does the job.
In Hong Kong, Red-necked Phalaropes are widely distributed. Beyond the hotspot of Deep Bay, the species can be found in some inland waters (such as fish ponds), on coastal waters, or even Shing Mun channel in the new town. Don’t miss the chance to watch the birds closely in the city during the migratory season!