Ruffs - Family Overview

Ruffs are distinctive wading birds best known for their remarkable breeding behaviour, in which males gather at traditional display grounds to perform elaborate courtship displays. Outside the breeding season, they are commonly encountered in wetlands, flooded fields, and shallow marshes during migration and winter.

Ruffs belong to the family Scolopacidae, which also includes sandpipers, snipes, godwits, and curlews. The species shows pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males developing ornate neck ruffs and variable plumage during the breeding season, while females and non-breeding birds appear more subdued.

During migration and winter, ruffs feed by probing and picking in soft mud, taking insects, seeds, and other small invertebrates. They are often observed in loose flocks and may associate with other waders at suitable wetlands.

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This section features photographs of ruffs documented across wetland habitats, highlighting their seasonal plumage variation, feeding behaviour, and presence during migration.

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Licensing & Prints

Selected photographs of ruffs are available for licensing and editorial use.
View Ruffs Collection