Almost as cool as duck nests

Phalarope nests are serious contenders for 2nd coolest nests on the prairies (ducks obviously #1).

Wilson’s Phalaropes always lay 4 pyriform shaped eggs, which is the jargon for an egg that is pear-shaped (pointed at one end).

That shape allows for the very long leg bones that the adorable young chicks have even right at hatch.  

Perhaps the most amazing trait of Phalaropes is their mating system. Polyandry – is the jargon for when one female has multiple male partners.

Females lay a set of eggs for each of their males, which they incubate. Less than 1% of all bird species are polyandrous.

That is a male Wilson’s incubating his set of 4 eggs.

Frank