Ruff
Least ConcernPhilomachus pugnax
Visual Identification
Ruff
Appearance
Ruffs are unique among birds, featuring three distinct male types. Territorial males, comprising up to 84% of the population, are long-necked, round-bellied waders with a flamboyant neck ruff in colours like buff, chestnut, black, or purple. Their upper back varies in colour, while underparts are dark, often speckled. They sport brownish-yellow facial warts, a brownish-orange bill, and legs ranging from greenish-yellow to dark orange.
"Satellite" males, about 16% of the population, have white neck ruffs and head tufts. They lack territories but are tolerated in leks, attracting females and increasing mating chances for territorial males. The rare faeder males, only 1% of the population, resemble females in size and plumage, avoiding confrontations with territorial males.
Ruffs exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. Females, called reeves, are smaller than breeding males and lack ornamental features. They have greyish-brown upperparts and white underparts streaked with darker brown. Juveniles display dark brown upperparts edged with buff, reddish-brown underparts, and a lighter face with a pale, streaked throat. Their bill is black, with legs and feet in pink, grey, or greenish hues.
Size
Length
20cm to 32cm
Wingspan
46cm to 60cm
Weight
70g to 200g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Ruffs breed in subarctic and temperate regions across northern Eurasia, from Scandinavia to eastern Siberia. During migration, they can be found in wetlands, flooded fields, and coastal mudflats across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.
In the UK, Ruffs are primarily seen as passage migrants and winter visitors, with small numbers breeding in eastern England. Norfolk’s Titchwell Reserve is one site where breeding ruffs have regularly been spotted around the lagoon and low-lying wetland landscape.
They are rare vagrants in North America, occasionally spotted along both coasts.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic, Tropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Diet
Ruffs are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming insects, larvae, and small invertebrates.
Later in the year, in preparation for migration and en route to wintering grounds, their diet broadens to include grasshoppers, caddisflies, mayflies, crustaceans, worms, fish and frogs.
They feed both during the day and night, plucking prey from the muddy wetlands or probing beneath the surface with their elongated bills.
Behaviour
Ruffs are known for their elaborate courtship displays, where males gather at traditional leks to compete for females. They engage in complex posturing and ritualised fights, rarely causing actual harm.
During migration and winter, Ruffs form large flocks, often mixing with other wader species in wetland habitats.
Vocalisation
Ruffs are generally quiet birds, especially in flight. During courtship displays, males produce low grunting and wheezing sounds, described as 'kwa-kwa-kwa' or 'puff-puff-puff'. Females may give a soft 'kek-kek' call when alarmed or during breeding interactions.
Nesting & Breeding
Ruffs have a unique breeding system where males compete at leks to mate with females. The breeding season typically runs from May to July in northern latitudes.
Females construct simple nests on the ground, often hidden in dense vegetation near water. They lay 3-4 olive-green eggs with dark spots.
Incubation lasts about 20-23 days and is carried out solely by the female. The chicks are precocial and can leave the nest shortly after hatching, fledging at around 25-28 days old.
Lifespan
The Ruff typically lives for 4 to 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 13.9 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While globally listed as Least Concern, Ruff populations have declined in parts of their range due to habitat loss and degradation.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and managing water levels in key breeding and stopover sites.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Ruffs in shallow wetlands and coastal areas during migration
- Observe lekking behaviour in breeding grounds during spring
- Pay attention to size and bill shape to distinguish from similar waders
- Check for the distinctive 'scaly' pattern on the back in non-breeding plumage
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Reeve (female)
Family:
ScolopacidaePredators
Did You Know?
- Male Ruffs can be classified into three distinct mating strategies based on their plumage and behaviour.
- The name 'Ruff' refers to the elaborate collar of feathers displayed by breeding males.
- Ruffs can fly at speeds of up to 60 km/h (around 37 mph) during migration.
Was this bird profile helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve our content
Community Experience
Community Ratings
No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!
Latest Community Reviews
No reviews yet
Sign in to be the first to review
FAQs
Why are they called Ruffs?
Ruffs are named after the ostentatious ruffle of feathers around the neck of a breeding male of the species.
References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Calidris pugnax. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22693468A86591264.
View source - 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source