Ruff
Ruff
40
16 hours ago
J
R
+4
The Ruff, Calidris pugnax, is a medium-sized wading bird renowned for its extraordinary sexual dimorphism and unique lekking behavior during the breeding season. Belonging to the Scolopacidae family, it is a highly migratory species that undertakes vast journeys between its breeding grounds in the Arctic and its wintering areas across multiple continents.
Where to spot
Ruffs can be found in a variety of open wetland habitats, including wet grasslands, marshlands, floodplains, sewage farms, and the edges of lakes, ponds, and estuaries. During migration, they frequent exposed muddy shores, agricultural fields, and short-grass pastures. Breeding occurs in tundra and Arctic wetlands.
How to spot
Spotting Ruffs often involves observing their foraging behavior, where they probe in soft mud or pick items from the surface. Males are particularly conspicuous during the breeding season due to their elaborate and variable ruffs and head tufts, performing impressive displays at communal lek sites. Outside the breeding season, they are more subtly plumaged and often found in large, mixed-species wader flocks. Their calls are generally quiet, including soft 'tu-wit' notes or low grunts at leks.
When to spot
Ruffs are primarily observed during their breeding season (May-July) in Arctic regions and during spring (March-May) and autumn (August-October) migration periods across their vast migratory routes. They are active during daylight hours, especially when foraging.
Where to spot
Ruffs can be found in a variety of open wetland habitats, including wet grasslands, marshlands, floodplains, sewage farms, and the edges of lakes, ponds, and estuaries. During migration, they frequent exposed muddy shores, agricultural fields, and short-grass pastures. Breeding occurs in tundra and Arctic wetlands.
How to spot
Spotting Ruffs often involves observing their foraging behavior, where they probe in soft mud or pick items from the surface. Males are particularly conspicuous during the breeding season due to their elaborate and variable ruffs and head tufts, performing impressive displays at communal lek sites. Outside the breeding season, they are more subtly plumaged and often found in large, mixed-species wader flocks. Their calls are generally quiet, including soft 'tu-wit' notes or low grunts at leks.
When to spot
Ruffs are primarily observed during their breeding season (May-July) in Arctic regions and during spring (March-May) and autumn (August-October) migration periods across their vast migratory routes. They are active during daylight hours, especially when foraging.
Credits:
sharkolot
Credits:
Psubraty
Credits:
Psubraty
Credits:
LTapsaH
The male Ruff is famous for its unique and highly variable breeding plumage, with no two males displaying the exact same pattern of ruff and head tufts, making each individual a distinct spectacle.
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Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 2902 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 16 hours ago
Monthly observations
11 observations
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