114 THE COURTSHIP OF ANIMALS 



in their coloration, and it is no exaggeration to say that 

 no two are ever alike. Red, cream-colour, buff, black, 

 white; spotted, streaked, freckled and barred are the 

 only descriptions that can be applied to them, for the 

 combinations of their hues and patterns seem infinite. 

 Having grasped this fact, the eye next turns to the 

 colouring of the rest of the body, and it will be found 

 chat here too is the same diversity, though less con- 

 spicuously so ; and finally it will be noticed that at this 

 time the feathers around the base of the beak have been 

 replaced by yellow or orange-coloured papillae. The 

 females also now wear a dress differing from that of the 

 so-called " winter plumage," but it does not present any 

 very striking features nor any form of ornamentation 

 comparable to that of the males. 



The Ruff is a polygamous bird, which, in its display, 

 presents some curious and puzzling features, one of which 

 consists of a sort of tournament between rival males. 

 At the break of day the performers, selecting such 

 eminences as the fen-lands afford, assemble apparently 

 to display their finery, for a couple of males will often 

 stand facing one another with frills erected and beaks 

 touching the ground, silent and immovable, for perhaps 

 half a minute. Sooner or later, however, they will 

 commence to spar, and this presently leads to blows, 

 during which one of the combatants will attempt to 

 seize the other by the wings. However, no damage 

 seems to be inflicted during such encounters, which are 

 by no means aimless or profitless, for during such bouts 

 the weaker, less vigorous birds are driven from the field, 

 and the victor in consequence wins for himself a larger 

 harem. 



When the actual pairing time arrives the parade of 



