Ruff

Ruff

The ruff is a sandpiper that is distinguished by a beautiful collar of feathers around the neck. All male ruffs range in size from 11 to 12 inches. The female is called the reeve and has no feather collar. Slightly smaller than the male, the reeve is 9 to 10 inches long. The plumage of the ruff are earthen colours, varying slightly from one individual to another. The reeve nibbles on the collar of the dominant male ruffs to attract his attention during breeding season. Ruff and reeves are found in northern Europe and Asia. [BM] {FW}