What is ruff?

Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird that belongs to the family of sandpipers. It is found in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Europe, Asia, and North America. The bird has a distinctive appearance, with males having a colorful and frilly plumage during the breeding season. The females, on the other hand, are duller and less conspicuous. Ruffs feed on insects, crustaceans, and other small aquatic creatures, and they are typically found in wetlands, marshes, and shallow waters. They also migrate extensively, with some populations traveling thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds. Despite their widespread distribution, ruffs are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting in some parts of their range.