Red Phalaropes (Phalaropus fulicarius) are a type of sandpiper that have specialized in feeding in open water. They spin rapidly on the surface to create a small whirlpool, which draws plankton to the surface to eat. Typical seabird sex roles are reversed in this species: females are brightly colored, compete for nest territory, and try to attract mates. After breeding, the females begin their migrations south, leaving males to incubatee the eggs and care for the chicks. See photos and read more about seabird migration.