BUFF 321 



RUFF. Machetes pugnax (Linnaeus). 



Coloured Figures. Gould, ' Birds of Great Britain,' vol. iv, pi. 

 61 ; Dresser, ' Birds of Europe,' vol. viii, pis. 557, 558 ; 

 Lilford, ' Coloured Figures,' vol. v, pis. 53, 54. 



As a British bird this remarkable species is much rarer 

 than it was some fifty years ago. It formerly bred about 

 the fen-districts of England 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 Buff 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. 1 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 is a more regular visi- 

 tant to that locality than was formerly supposed (' Irish 

 Naturalist,' vols. viii. 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. Williams, who obtained a 

 pair of Kuffs 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 Kuff is 

 now very seldom seen in our Isles. 



It is not altogether a bird of the coast. Away from 



i On October llth, 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. K. M. Barrington has kindly shown me a Kuff in his collection, 

 which was obtained in the Cork markets in February, 1896. 



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