The Ruff (Calidris pugnax) is a medium-sized wading bird that breeds in the marshes and wet meadows of northern Eurasia. During the breeding season, males are particularly notable for their elaborate and colorful plumage, which includes a distinctive ruff of feathers around their necks and varied patterns of black, white, brown, and orange. Females, known as reeves, are more subdued in coloration, typically brown and white, which provides camouflage as they nest on the ground.

Ruffs are highly gregarious and exhibit fascinating social behaviors, particularly during the breeding season when males gather in leks to perform competitive displays and courtship dances to attract females. These leks can be bustling arenas of activity, with males engaging in drаmаtic posturing and vocalizations to assert dominance and win over potential mates. This lekking behavior is one of the most complex and captivating among wading birds, drawing significant interest from ornithologists and bird watchers.

As migratory birds, Ruffs travel vast distances between their breeding and wintering grounds. During the non-breeding season, they can be found in large flocks across southern and western Europe, Africa, southern Asia, and Australia. Their winter habitats typically include coastal wetlands, estuaries, and flooded fields, where they forage for invertebrates and small aquatic organisms. The migratory patterns of Ruffs are impressive, with some individuals covering thousands of kilometers during their annual journeys, highlighting their adaptability and resilience.