The Ruff is a medium-sized shorebird known for its elaborate courtship displays and distinctive ruff of feathers around its neck. Males exhibit striking plumage variations during breeding season.
Habitat
Prefers wetlands, mudflats, and grasslands.
Diet
Feeds on invertebrates and plant material.
How common
Uncommon
Not certain it is a Ruff? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Ruff sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Ruff?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.
5,300+species
63national parks
50states
More birds
Ruffed Grouse
Bonasa umbellus
Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus rufus
Rufous Motmot
Baryphthengus martii
Rufous-backed Robin
Turdus rufopalliatus
Rufous-backed Wren
Campylorhynchus capistratus
Rufous-bellied Chachalaca
Ortalis wagleri
Rufous-browed Peppershrike
Cyclarhis gujanensis
Rufous-capped Brushfinch
Atlapetes pileatus