The Ruff (Calidris pugnax) is a medium-sized bird found across Europe, Asia, and North America. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with males having a distinctive ruff of feathers around their necks during the breeding season. The ruff’s mating behavior is fascinating, with males gathering in large groups to perform elaborate displays to attract females. These displays include fluffing up their feathers, leaping into the air, and fighting with other males to establish dominance. The female ruffs will then choose a mate based on his performance. During the non-breeding season, Ruffs can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and shorelines. They primarily feed on insects, small invertebrates, and seeds. The Ruff is considered a species of “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with stable populations throughout their range.
