Family: PHALAROPIDAE
A family of three species of specialized pelagic waders. They are slim,
dainty birds with narrow pointed bills. They have dense plumage with duck-
like down, rendering them highly buoyant. The feet are lobed rather than
webbed. Outside the breeding season these birds stay almost permanently at
sea in flocks, weaving about and feeding on the sea a short distance apart.
All breed in the northern hemisphere and visit the tropics only in the
winter.
Two species are found in the Greater Sundas.
All Phalaropes (Phalaropus)