Phalarope

Phalarope (Phalaropus), a genus of wading-birds forming a sub-family of the Snipes. They are distinguished by their lobed toes, resembling those of the coot. By means of these they swim well, while they can also run swiftly on shore. There are only three species, all inhabiting northern regions, and migrating southward in winter. The Red-necked Phalarope (P. hyperboreus), a small bird resembling a Sandpiper in appearance, breeds in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, and the Gray Phalarope (P. fulicarius) occasionally visits Britain in the course of its migration farther south.