Red-necked phalarope  (Phalaropus lobatus)

Red-necked phalaropes are not considered endangered on a world-wide scale, but their numbers as a British breeding bird have been in decline. This is thought to be due to loss of suitable pools within the birds’ traditional breeding sites as a result of grazing cessation; the consequent vegetation growth reduces the area of open water available for feeding. Drainage of pools and pollution through agricultural run-off is also thought to have contributed to the birds’ disappearance.

The red-necked phalarope is listed as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plans (UK BAP). About 85% of the British breeding population nests on RSPB nature reserves on the island of Fetlar in the Shetlands. Over the last two decades the RSPB, who are the lead agency for this species, have been conducting a survey into the habitat requirements of the phalaropes, and much of what they have learned is now being put into practice on their reserves. Currently, the RSPB are engaged in looking for other sites suitable for phalaropes, on which they can take over the management.

Traditionally, red-necked phalaropes bred in the Outer Hebrides, and there are still sites on North and South Uist suitable for the birds. Although there has been a problem with predation by the introduced hedgehog, it is hoped that the programme to remove and relocate these mammals will benefit many ground-nesting bird species.