The breeding Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) is predominantly dark grey above, with a chestnut neck and upper breast, black face and white throat.
They have a white wing stripe which in North America helps distinguish this bird from the similar Wilson's Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor).
The breeding male is a duller version of the female.
In winter, the plumage is essentially grey above and white below, but the black eyepatch is always present.
Young birds are grey and brown above, with buff underparts and also have a black patch through the eye.
In Europe, it breeds in the northern arctic tundra and migrates for the winter to the Arabian Sea.

Monterey, California, USA, 9 September 2007