Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

Identification & Behavior: ~29.5 cm (11.6 in). The Ruff (♂) or Reeve (♀) in basic plumage has gray-brownish upperparts and pale underparts. It has a dull orange base of the bill and orange legs. Molting birds have heavily speckled or barred underparts. The male Ruff has an ornate alternate plumage, but this is not likely to be seen in birds during the non-breeding season. It is similar to the Greater Yellowlegs but is distinguished by a larger size and orange base of the bill.

Status: The Ruff is a rare vagrant to the coast of Peru. There are only a few records coming from the Paracas Peninsula, the Villa Marshes area, and the Mejía Lagoons area in Arequipa. It also occurs in Co, and Br.

Name in Spanish: Playero Combatiente.

Sub-species: Ruff (♂) or Reeve (♀) (Philomachus pugnax), Linnaeus 1758.

Meaning of Name: Calidris: Gr. kalidris, skalidris= shorebird the color of ash mentioned by Aristotle. pugnax: L. pugnax, pugnare= fighter, one who likes to fight.

See more of the Family Scolopacidae