According to the Internet, this is what a female Red-necked Phalarope looks like in the breeding season. In winter it will turn back to plain gray above and white below, with a distinct black patch near the eye.
What's more shocking is that, female Red-necked Phalaropes court the males, and once the eggs are laid, they leave. The duller males are solely responsible for incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.... So, this photo is a great capture of a queen. ~VVVVV~
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