Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Red-Necked Phalaropes: Uncommon Migratory Birds Along India’s Coasts
The red-necked phalarope is a bird that swims to find food.
Many similar shorebirds search for food by probing muddy ground, but this bird feeds on the water’s surface.
It breeds in the Arctic.
It travels to wintering areas at sea.
The bird has been recorded on coasts in India, including Gujarat and southeastern India.
It may also pass through inland places while migrating, though people see it there less often.
Its feeding style is unusual.
Its feathers also change with the seasons.
Red-necked phalaropes swim and feed at the water’s surface, unlike many waders that probe mudflats.
They travel between Arctic breeding grounds and wintering areas at sea.
The species has been recorded along India’s coasts, including Gujarat and southeastern India.
Some birds may pass through inland areas during migration, but such sightings are less frequent.
Their unusual feeding behaviour and seasonal plumage make them distinctive birds to look for.
- Who
- Red-necked phalaropes.
- What
- A migratory bird that swims and feeds on the water’s surface.
- When
- During migration between Arctic breeding grounds and wintering areas at sea.
- Where
- Recorded along India’s coasts, including Gujarat and southeastern India; it may also pass through inland areas.
- Why
- The article describes its migration and unusual feeding behaviour.
- Species
- Red-necked phalarope
- Feeding behaviour
- Swims and feeds on the water’s surface
- Breeding grounds
- The Arctic
- Wintering areas
- At sea
- Indian coastal records
- Gujarat and southeastern India
- Inland sightings
- Possible during migration, but less frequent