Ruff

Calidris pugnax

Genus · Calidris Sandpipers Family · Sandpipers and Allies
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
FarmlandLake wetlandsMarsh

Look for the 'hunchbacked' posture and the scaly appearance of the back. In spring, check wetlands for males showing signs of neck feathers.

Ruff

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan46–58 cm
Weight70–250 g
Length20–32 cm
Lifespan wild5–11 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeScrape
Clutch size4 eggs
Incubation20–23 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationMigratory
Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Omnivore

🦗Insects
🐚Mollusks
🦀Crustaceans
🌻Seeds
🪱Worms

Habitat

🚜 Farmland🌿 Grassland🛶 Lake wetlands🌾 Marsh❄️ Tundra
✦ Fun Fact

No two male Ruffs look exactly alike in summer. Their plumage varies from pure white to pitch black or bright orange. They are one of the most variable vertebrates in the world.

About

The Ruff is famous for the extraordinary appearance of males during the breeding season. It has a 'hunchbacked' silhouette, a small head, and a medium bill. It breeds in wet meadows in Northern and Eastern Europe. The species is unique because it has three distinct male types that differ in appearance and mating strategy.

Behaviour

In spring, Ruffs gather at display grounds called 'leks'. Males with spectacular neck ruffs engage in silent 'tournaments' to win females. Outside the breeding season, they are quiet and somewhat sluggish. Their flight shows faint white wing-bars and white patches on the sides of the tail.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

In summer, the male has a massive feathered collar and 'ears' in various colors. In winter, he is larger than the female with a scaly-patterned brown back.

♀ Female

The female is much smaller than the male and has mottled brown plumage year-round. She lacks the ornate ruff.

Similar species

Common Redshank
🐦
Common Redshank
Tringa totanus
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