THE RUFF 175 



the intertropical realm, in Northern India and 

 Burma. Abnormal migrants of this species have 

 been known to wander to South America, Borneo, 

 Canada, and elsewhere. 



The Ruff begins its migrations into Europe as 

 early as January, and continues them until near 

 the end of May. The return passage takes place 

 in August, September, and October; but a few 

 odd birds are often known to pass the winter on 

 the British coasts. The Ruff is gregarious, not 

 only on passage and in winter, but practically 

 throughout the breeding season. During the non- 

 breeding season the Ruff frequents mudflats and 

 salt marshes on the coast as well as inland districts, 

 but in summer its favourite resorts are swampy 

 moors and rough wet ground, clothed with a carpet 

 of coarse grass, hummocks of sedge, and rushes. 

 The flight and general actions of the Ruff are very 

 similar to those of wading birds in general. Its 

 food consists of insects and larvae, worms, snails, 

 small seeds, and various vegetable fragments. Its 

 note is described by some observers as a low whit, 

 by others as ka-ka-kuk. 



By far the most interesting portion of the Ruff's 

 economy is that relating to its reproduction. The 

 Ruff is polygamous, and, like most birds practising 



