phalarope

[ fal-uh-rohp ]

noun

1. any of three species of small, aquatic birds of the family Phalaropodidae, resembling sandpipers but having lobate toes.

phalarope

/ ˈfæləˌrəʊp /

noun

1. any aquatic shore bird of the family Phalaropidae, such as Phalaropus fulicarius ( grey phalarope ), of northern oceans and lakes, having a long slender bill and lobed toes: order Charadriiformes

Word History and Origins

Origin of phalarope¹

1770–80; < French < New Latin Phalaropus genus name < Greek phalār ( ís ) coot + -o- -o- + -pous -footed; -pod

Word History and Origins

Origin of phalarope¹

C18: via French from New Latin Phalaropus, from Greek phalaris coot + pous foot

Example Sentences

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.

From Los Angeles Times

In turn, birds like the Wilson’s phalarope — a shorebird that breeds in North America and winters near the Andes mountains — will struggle to find enough nutrients.

From Seattle Times

The cliquishness of right-footed and left-footed birds helps keep the peace within a flock as phalaropes scarf down food, the team suggests.

From Science Magazine

And it’s seen significant declines in some of its residents in the last few years, including phalaropes and grebes.

From Scientific American

He was rewarded with several terns, including the second recorded royal tern in Forsyth County and “cool little shore birds” called red-necked phalaropes.

From Washington Post