Ruff Philomachus pugnax

Redshank-like wader, in spring male has unmistakable ruff

Habitat: freshwater marshes and flooded grassland

Passage migrant and increasing winter visitor; breeds Scandinavia and Holland occasionally Britain

Medium-sized wader with red legs and short bill; male has large head plumes in spring; female greyish-brown

Feeds constantly in fields and freshwater margins, eating invertebrates and insects

No wingbar but two medium oval patches on rump

Nest is a hollow on ground

1 brood April to May; 4 olive-brown eggs

Undertakes a bizarre courtship: males form 'lek' and fight other males for a female