More specifically, they belong to the genus *Phalaropus*, which is part of the family Scolopacidae. This family also includes other well-known shorebirds like sandpipers, snipes, and curlews.
While they are related to other shorebirds, phalaropes have some unique features that set them apart:
* Swimming: They are the only shorebirds that regularly swim, using their webbed feet to propel themselves through the water.
* Diet: Phalaropes primarily feed on small invertebrates like insects and crustaceans, which they find by swimming in circles and stirring up the water.
* Unique mating behavior: In some species, females are larger and more brightly colored than males, and they are the ones who compete for mates.
There are three species of phalaropes found in the world:
* Red-necked Phalarope: This species breeds in the Arctic and winters in the southern hemisphere.
* Wilson's Phalarope: This species breeds in North America and winters in South America.
* Northern Phalarope: This species breeds in the Arctic and winters in the southern hemisphere.