RUFF 321 
RUFF. Machetes pugnaxr (Linneus). 
Colowred Figures.—Gould, ‘ Birds of Great Britain,’ vol. iv, pl. 
61; Dresser, ‘ Birds of Europe,’ vol. viii, pls. 557, 558 ; 
Lilford, ‘ Coloured Figures,’ vol. v, pls. 53, 54. 
As a British bird this remarkable species 1s much rarer 
than it was some fifty years ago. It formerly bred about 
the fen-districts of Kngland in considerable numbers, and 
was captured and fattened for table-use. Collectors have 
greatly reduced the numbers by systematically destroying 
the breeding-birds, while drainage of the swampy districts 
so much resorted to, has resulted in further diminution in 
numbers. The Ruff is better known at the present day as 
a passing migrant, more abundant in autumn than in spring. 
Not a few birds have been obtained in late autumn, 
and even in midwinter.!. It is much rarer along the 
west side of Great Britain (including Wales) than on the 
east coast, albeit single birds have been obtained from 
time to time in the Outer Hebrides (Harvie-Brown), as 
well as along the western shores and islands of Ireland. 
I have several autumnal records, from the Dublin coasts, 
which go to show that this species 1s a more regular visi- 
tant to that locality than was formerly supposed (‘ Irish 
Naturalist,’ vols. vill. and ix.). 
Though generally scarce in Ireland, yet this bird has 
been recorded from at least eighteen counties, having been 
taken inland as well as on the coast (Ussher). 
The majority which visit us in autumn are chiefly 
immature, occurring in pairs, and frequenting low-lying 
coast-lands. The late Mr. E. Willams, who obtained a 
pair of Ruffs on August 28th, 1898, on the Dublin coast, 
noted their superficial resemblance, when flying, to Bar- 
tailed Godwits, the latter often going in pairs when they 
first migrate to our shores. 
As a vernal migrant in nuptial plumage, the Ruff is 
now very seldom seen in our Isles. 
It is not altogether a bird of the coast. Away from 
1 On October 11th, 1889, I received from Mr. F. H. Walker a fine 
male specimen (immature), obtained on the Dublin coast. The bird, 
now in my collection, is of particular interest,as it is in full winter- 
plumage. 
Mr. R. M. Barrington has kindly shown me a Ruffin his collection, 
which was obtained in the Cork markets in February, 1896. 
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