Ruff

The Ruff (Calidris pugnax) is a medium-sized wading bird that breeds in marshes and wet meadows across northern Eurasia. This highly gregarious sandpiper is migratory and sometimes forms huge flocks in its winter grounds, which include southern and western Europe, Africa, southern Asia and Australia. It is in the genus Calidris, and the Broad-billed and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers are its closest relatives.

Other names
The female is called a Reeve.

Description
Breeding males are unmistakable but variable. In moult males have non-breeding type plumage splattered with dark blotches on the breast.

In flight, it shows a narrow white bar on upperwing and prominent white sides to long uppertail coverts.

Calls
They are usually silent but may give a low kuk in flight.

Reproduction
Large numbers of males gather in leks to display their spreading ruffs, jumping and jostling or standing motionless in an effort to attract reeves.

Distribution/habitat
They inhabit coastal tundra, marsh fringes, and damp meadows. In non-breeding, they frequent lakes, pools, river margins, wet grasslands, and marshes.