Ruff

The ruff (Philomachus pugnax) gets its name from the neck feathers that the male birds display prominently during the mating display. These resemble the extravagant ruffs worn by gentlemen of high rank during the Elizabethan period, and the name has stuck.

The ruff is a wading bird (a member of the sandpiper family) that is mainly seen in the UK as a spring and autumn migrant in coastal locations. Many of the migrants are on passage between Scandinavia and Africa. There are a few breeding populations, such as in eastern England, and some birds overwinter in inland areas such as marshes, lakes, reservoirs and sewage farms. However, the numbers of breeding and wintering birds in the UK are very low.

Appearance

Male ruffs are, on average, around 29 centimetres (11 inches) in length with the females being slightly smaller at 23 centimetres (9 inches). However, individuals can vary greatly in size, such that some females are larger than some males. They have longish necks with small heads and short bills that turn down slightly. The legs vary in colour between individuals, the range being from orange-red to green-brown or grey.

During winter the plumage of males and females looks very similar, being brown on top (in a pattern that resembles fish scales) and lighter buff underneath. In summer, the females become somewhat darker on the throat and chest, but it is the male birds that show the most marked changes.

The most notable change is the growth of the ruff feathers, but other feathers become darker and even more “scaly”, with glossy purple to black feathers contrasting sharply with white flecks. Two prominent tufts also appear on the head.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the tuft and ruff feathers is that no two males seem to have exactly the same colouring. The combination of colours can include black, white, buff, chestnut, orange and purple, in many different shades and patterns. Evolution has not dictated that some patterns work and others do not, so the annual mating display, should one be lucky enough to witness one, is going to be a sight worth seeing.

The wings are quite long and paddle-shaped, and the flight is erratic, with flicks of the wings mixed with glides. Oval white patches on the rump and tail are clearly seen in flight.

On the ground, ruffs are often seen with the body held horizontally as they walk along searching for food in grass or mud.

The ruff is usually silent, but a low repeated note can be heard when in flight.

Breeding

The breeding season starts in April or May, with a group of male birds gathering at a selected arena (or “lek”) to perform for the females, who watch at a safe distance. The males engage in mock fights with each other, where the main purpose is “showing off” rather than physical violence. The neck ruff (it can be 6 to 8 inches across) is extended and shaken and the bird dances with wings spread or makes short circular flights.

After mating, the female prepares a nest in the form of a shallow depression in the grass, not far from the lek site, lined with vegetation. The clutch typically comprises four eggs, and there is only one brood raised per season. The female incubates the eggs on her own for up to 21 days, and she is also the sole provider of food for the chicks. After fledging, the young birds form flocks that roam the mudflats and other suitable feeding grounds.

Ruffs feed on invertebrates, insects, worms, molluscs, crustaceans, seeds and berries.

Conservation

The ruff has “red status” as a bird whose numbers are in decline in the UK. This is possibly due to loss of habitat in eastern England, although some wetland reserves are currently being extended by allowing sea walls to be breached, and this environment could encourage more ruffs (and other wading species) to breed in the UK.

© John Welford