io8 



PLOVER GROUP 



more or less closch- mottled with white. The winter-plumage re- 

 sembles that of the cock, but the hen is distinguished by her smaller 

 size. 



Young birds in first plumage resemble females in summer-dress, 

 but have no dark feathers on the breast. The chick is rufous buff 

 on the upper-parts, with a light central streak bordered by a dark 



streak on each side of 

 the crown, dark lines 

 on each side of the 

 back, and the under- 

 parts buff. 



As already men- 

 tioned, the fens and the 

 Broads of Norfolk were 

 the chief resorts of the 

 ruff when it was a com- 

 mon British bird ; and 

 in the winter in India it 

 is generally met with 

 near tanks and marshes 

 or on wet grass -land, 

 although also occurring 

 locally near creeks and 

 estuaries. The fighting 

 and " s h o w i n g - o ff " 

 habits of the ruffs in 

 the breeding - season 

 have been so often de- 

 scribed that repetition is 

 unnecessary. At the laying-.season, which commences in the first or 

 second week in May, both ruffs and reeves put aside their habitual 

 shyness, and are then easily taken by the fowler. The ruff loses his 

 breeding-collar b\' the latter part of June, and so far as activity in 

 flight is concerned, is much benefited by the change, as this mass of 

 feathers sadly impedes his flying powers. Dry elevations, technically 

 known as hills, in the midst of the marshes or fens, are chosen b}- the 

 ruffs for their nuptial display. In addition to the usual food of waders, 

 the.se birds, at least in India, will readily eat grain. A tussock of 

 grass serves as a site for the nest of the reeve, which is deep and 

 cleverly concealed ; and it is noteworthy that the hens of the same 

 " harem " always nest apart from one another. The chicks are stated 



THE R0W1>ND WARD STUDIOS 



KUFF IN WINTEK. 



