Wednesday, 6 April 2016

Ruff with white markings, NWT Cley Marshes


We were just heading back from Arnold's Marsh on Salthouse Broad to the Cley visitors' centre when we noticed a couple watching this bird. I had no idea what it was but the man thought it was a Ruff. 


I did some internet research and it seems that this is indeed a Ruff, although its strange white-headed appearance can evidently cause confusion!  

Update: do read Stewart's informative comment below. Thank you, Stewart.


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4 comments:

  1. L. D. 7 April 2016 at 17:56

    I could comment on every photo as they are all so great. The sheep with two lambs is sweet. Windmills are always a fascination. All of the photos were so great to see.

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  2. Stewart7 April 2016 at 19:17

    Hi Caroline, white Ruff males are known as satellites. They are the ones in a lek ( displaying group of males) that stand out and attract females flying over. They are less dominant at breeding than the dark 'ruffed' Ruffs but serve a special purpose regardless.

    Nice post, Stewart

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  3. Simon Douglas Thompson7 April 2016 at 21:37

    That ruff is a star bird. Looks so unusual and striking

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  4. Caroline Gill7 April 2016 at 21:41

    Thank you all so much for your comments. Fascinating to learn about the Ruff ... I only know about lekking from BBC Springwatch and had no idea that Ruffs had these displays.

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