222. Phalaropus fulicarius. 8 in.

Bill heavier than any of the other phalaropes; feet lobate-webbed. Adults in summer have the entire under-parts reddish brown; side of head white; upper parts gray, white and black. In winter, head and underparts are white; back gray. Phalaropes differ from any other of our birds, in that the female is the larger and brighter plumaged bird, and the duties of incubation are largely or chiefly performed by the male bird. These phalaropes are very rarely seen in the United States in their breeding plumage; when they come in the Fall, nearly all have changed to their dull winter dress, and they keep this until after they leave us in the Spring.

Nest. - A hollow in the ground, lined with a few grasses; eggs greenish buff, spotted with blackish.

Range. - Breeds in the Arctic regions: winters south to New York, Calif., and Ohio, chiefly on the sea coasts.