Slender shorebird known for spinning on water and feeding on small invertebrates that are stirred up. Females much brighter than males with gray cap, black stripe through the eye and side of neck, peachy-orange neck, and gray-and-rufous back. Males are duller with pale gray upperparts, orangey neck, and white throat. Nonbreeding birds are pale gray above and white below. Look for thin, needlelike bill to help separate from other phalaropes. Prefers shallow, freshwater ponds. Very active. Regularly gathers in large flocks.