Red-necked phalaropes are unique in that females are more brightly coloured and males incubate eggs, with the tiny UK population requiring active conservation.
With fewer than 50 breeding pairs, every individual red-necked phalarope's welfare is a conservation priority. Breeding habitat loss through drainage eliminates the boggy pool systems these birds require. RSPB projects restoring breeding pools in Shetland directly support individual phalarope welfare.