Ruff
Calidris pugnax
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Ruff is one of the most extraordinary waders. Males in breeding plumage — seen on spring passage — develop a spectacular ruff and ear tuft in individually unique colour combinations: white, black, orange, barred. These are used in competitive lek displays for females. Outside breeding season they're more subdued — larger and longer-legged than most waders with a slightly hunched posture and scaly back. A regular passage bird at Marshside, especially on the scrape.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Habitat | Wet grassland · Coastal scrape · Marsh edge |
| Diet | Invertebrates, seeds, plant material |
| UK population | Around 20 breeding females; winter/passage population a few thousand — red-listed |
| Sefton Coast | Regular on passage at Marshside; small numbers spring and autumn |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB scrape and wet grassland. Occasionally dune slack edges at Ainsdale.
Identification
Medium, long-legged wader. In spring, males develop extraordinary ruffs and ear tufts in unique colour combinations. Outside breeding: scaly brown back, white-sided base of tail, pale underparts. Small head, short bill. Female (Reeve) always plain and scaly brown.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Visit Marshside on spring mornings in April. The scrape holds small numbers on passage. Males in ruff may be visible — they stand out immediately.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is on the UK Red List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating serious concern about its population decline or unfavourable conservation status. Monitoring this species on the Sefton Coast contributes to national population tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are male Ruffs so variable in plumage?
Ruffs have a unique mating system. Males gather at leks — display arenas — where females (Reeves) choose mates. Males come in three genetically distinct types: territorial males (dark ruffs), satellite males (white ruffs) and female-mimics. The extraordinary variability in ruff colour has evolved through intense sexual selection at leks. No two males have identical ruffs.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.