322 



GAME BIBDS OF CALIFORNIA 



Fig. 56. Side of 

 tarsus and top of 

 foot of Eed Phala- 

 rope. Natural size. 



Note webs between 

 bases of toes and 

 lobes on margins of 

 toes. 



October. The November and December records of this species prob- 

 ably indicate that some individuals winter on the ocean off the south- 

 ern California coast and even as far north as Tomales Bay. The 



collection of the California Academy of 

 Sciences contains fifteen specimens taken at 

 Monterej^ during December and January 

 (Beck, 1910, p. 70). In this respect the Red 

 Phalarope differs markedly from the North- 

 ern. At the height of the migrating season 

 the former species is exceedingly abundant 

 offshore, sometimes occurring in flocks be- 

 lieved to number thousands of individuals. 



In breeding plumage the Red Phalarope 

 can be easily identified by the uniform dull 

 cinnamon red of its under surface, and the 

 conspicuous white patclies on the sides of its 

 head ; but in the fall identification is not so 

 easy. From the Northern Phalarope the Red 

 may then be distinguished at a distance only 

 with some difficulty, by its thicker neck, 

 heavier l)ill (fig. 57), and chunkier appear- 

 ance. P'rom many of the shore birds it may 

 be told by its small size and dense duck-like plumage, and from 

 others by its rather thick head and neck, tawny upper tail coverts, 

 and b}' lack of streaks, bars or spots on the under surface. Often, 



especially early in the fall migration, the 

 plumage of the under surface is mixed 

 red and white, but never with a definite 

 pattern. 



The note is described as a low and 

 musical clink, clink, sounding very much 

 like the noise made by lightly tapping to- 

 gether two small bars of steel. When the 

 birds are disturbed the note is repeated 

 oftener and becomes harder and louder 

 (Nelson, 1887, p. 97). 

 In our latitude this species is noted most commonly on the surface 

 of the water, usually on the ocean, either resting quietly or else 

 actively whirling about and dabbing the bill rapidly into the water 

 from side to side after the small forms of animal life on which the 

 birds feed. On rough water the birds often take wing to avoid curl- 

 ing waves, alighting immediately on smoother water. Streator (1888, 

 p. 54) saw numbers of these Phalaropes standing on floating kelp 

 near San Nicolas Island ; and individuals are not infrequently seen 



4804 



Fig. 57. Side of bill of 

 Eed Phalarope. Natural size. 



Note somewhat stouter 

 form as compared with bills 

 of other Phalaropes (com- 

 pare with figs. 58 and 59). 



