1. small shorebirds that swim and feed on the water surface, with the females being more brightly colored than the males
Usage: ornithology; plural form

Examples

• The phalaropes spun in tight circles on the lake surface to stir up food.
• Red-necked phalaropes migrate thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds.
• Unlike most birds, female phalaropes are more colorful and leave the males to incubate eggs.
• The researcher counted dozens of phalaropes feeding in the shallow bay.
• Phalaropes are unusual among shorebirds because they spend much of their time swimming.
• Wilson’s phalaropes breed in prairie wetlands across North America.