Conservation and welfare of ruffs as passage migrants through UK wetlands.
Key Facts
Ruffs are spectacular shorebirds with elaborate male breeding plumage
UK breeding population is very small and confined to a few wetland sites
Autumn passage involves large numbers passing through UK wetlands from Scandinavian breeding grounds
Wet grassland and shallow wetland with muddy margins is preferred habitat
Individual ruffs show remarkable variation in breeding plumage including white, buff, and dark forms
Welfare Considerations
Individual ruffs benefit from productive UK wetland stopovers during migration, with habitat management supporting their welfare during long-distance journeys.
What You Can Do
Support RSPB and Wildlife Trust wetland creation at key migration sites
Record ruff sightings to assist population monitoring
Visit wetland nature reserves during spring and autumn migration