THE RED-NECKED PHALAROPE i8i 



India, China, Malaysia, and Japan ; whilst in the 

 New World they reach Mexico and Central 

 America. 



The Red-necked Phalarope is quite as aquatic in 

 its habits as a Coot, perhaps even more so, being 

 seldom seen on the land for long together, except 

 in the breeding season. It is an absurdly tame 

 and confiding little bird, especially at the nest, and 

 at all times seems more or less gregarious. This 

 species swims well, with a buoyancy exceeded by 

 no other bird. It is a pretty sight to watch its 

 actions when swimming across some deep, clear 

 pool, progressing in a more or less zigzag direction, 

 each stroke of its feet accompanied by a nod of its 

 head. It may also be seen running quickly and 

 gracefully about the marshy shores, wading or 

 swimming the intervening pools, or even tripping- 

 lightly over floating masses of weed. Its flight is 

 not only rapid but powerful ; and Seebohm re- 

 marked that when one was shot, its companions 

 came and hovered above it, and then alighted 

 near it, just as Terns will often do. The usual 

 note of this Phalarope is a shrill, clear weet. Its 

 food is composed chiefly of insects, but worms, 

 crustaceans, and other small marine creatures are 

 sought. 



