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Gallery - Waders-Ruff and Snipes

Ruff (Philomachus)

When breeding, male Ruffs assume fantastic neck-ruffs and ear tufts, gathering on traditional display grounds for mock battles.


[RSPB amber conservation status][More information about Ruff][Video clip about Ruff][ruff03]Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

The Ruff is a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

The extraordinary neck-ruffs are a variety of colours and used as they dance and posture there "leks". Females mate with the most successful males. Ruffs are summer visitors to inland marshes and wet meadows. Most winter in Africa, while a few remain in Europe. They feed mostly on insects and their larvae.


Snipes (Gallinago)

Medium sized, very long billed, but rather short legged birds. Pale-bellied brown waders with striped head and rich patterning on back. Breeds in marshes, bogs, moors and heaths and tends to winter at freshwater margins with thick vegetation.


[RSPB amber conservation status][More information about Snipe][snip3]Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

The Snipe has been classified as a Amber list species-medium conservation concern.

Snipe use their long sensitive bill to probe for worms and other invertebrates hidden in soft mud.They nest on the ground.


[RSPB amber conservation status][More information about Jack Snipe][jacks2]Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)

The Jack Snipe has a Amber listing-Medium Conservation Concern.

Small Snipe that is reluctant to fly if disturbed preferring to rely on camouflage for protection. Breeds in north-eastern marshlands and winters in W Europe and in Africa. Feeds on insects,worms and seeds.


[RSPB amber conservation status][More information about Woodcock][WOODCOCK1]Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)

A secretive bird of woodlands with damp areas where it can probe for earthworms and other invertebrates. The bird nests on the ground among low vegetation.



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