The Ruff is normally a bird of Eurasia, but is a regular stray to North America. Most are found along either U.S. coast, and they are only rarely found inland. Spring males have extremely unusual breeding plumages, with large neck ruffs and head tufts of a variety of colors (see photo to the right). Immature birds and birds in winter plumage have a much plainer plumage (see photo at the bottom.
Habitat
Migrants in North America are most often found on shallow ponds or marshes a short distance from the coastlines, as well as salt-marshes.Diet
Insects make up a large portion of its diet, but they also will feed on small mollusks and crustaceans, small fish, frogs and tadpoles, worms, and seeds.Behavior
Forages on land or in shallow water, walking along and either picking up items from the surface, or probing in the water, sand, or mud.Breeding
Non-breeder in South DakotaSong
Generally silent, but sometimes a soft tu-whik when flushed.Migration
Normally a bird of Eurasia, but they are regular (if rare) migrants in North America.Interactive eBird Map
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Ruff sightingsSimilar Species
Upland Sandpiper , Pectoral Sandpiper , Buff-breasted Sandpiper , for non-breeding and immature birds. Males in their spring breeding plumage are quite distinctive.Conservation Status
Loss of wetland habitat has resulted in declines in its normal Eurasian range.Photo Information: Top Photo: Photo from Ohio, courtesy of Lana Hays
Bottom Photo: Taken in Denmark, August 2005 by Helge Sørensen
