Red necked Phalaropes Phalaropus lobatus, Shetland
The specific name of the Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus is a reference to the lobed toes, an unusual feature in waders, and one that assists swimming. During the non-breeding season these tiny birds migrate a great distance away from their Arctic breeding grounds, where they feed out at sea in the tropical Pacific ocean. Phalaropes exhibit 'role-reversal', as it is the females that are adorned with the brighter breeding plumage and hold territories. Males are responsible for incubating the eggs and rearing the chicks. When feeding in shallow pools, Red-necked Phalaropes will often swim round in small circles, causing eddies in the water that cause small crustaceans to be carried to the surface where hey can be picked off easily. During the winter they are said to favour feeding at locations where natural currents cause the water (and the invertebrates that the eat) to be disturbed. The subjects of the film were photographed and filmed during a Shetland Wildlife holiday. Some of the still photographs have been cropped.
