138 BRITISH BIRDS’ EGGS. 
RUFF (Femate, REEVE). 
Toranus puGnax, Briss. 
Geogr. distr.—A western Palearctic species, breeding as far north 
as land extends, as far south as the valley of the Danube and the 
Kirghis Steppes, as far east as the Taimur peninsular and West 
Dauria, reaching and probably breeding in the upper valley of the 
Amoor; it winters in suitable places throughout Africa, N. India, and 
Burma ; has occurred in Ceylon, Yezo (Japan), Maine, Massachusetts, 
New York, and Spanish Gwana.—(Seebohm, Hist. Brit. Birds.) 
Food.—Insects in various stages, worms, sand-hoppers, and seeds. 
Nest.—A mere depression lined with dead grass and sedge. 
Position of nest.—On the ground in a swamp, placed in the middle 
of a tussock of coarse grass. 
Number of eggs.—4. 
Time of nidification.—V. 
This species, which was formerly a regular breeder in 
Great Britain, has now almost, if not altogether, ceased to 
do so; Mr. Howard Saunders, indeed, says that, ‘In 
Norfolk it is possible that a pair or two may still nest, and 
in Lincolnshire a nest containing two eggs was taken in 
1882.’ Mr. Seebohm speaks of ‘‘ a few pairs still oceasion- 
ally breeding in the Norfolk broads.” Looking to the fact 
that the species is not becoming commoner as an indigenous 
breeder, and the little likelihood of its eggs being taken by 
any reader of this volume, I concluded that it would be 
next to useless to figure it. 
The eggs, according to Seebohm, vary from an almost 
neutral pale grey to pale greenish grey, the overlying spots 
reddish brown, and the underlying spots pale greyish 
brown; Hewitson’s figures represent them of about the 
size and form of my egg of the Redshank, but paler, 
the markings having a smeared appearance, and the ground 
tint varying from pale greyish green to whity brown. 
As with the Capercaillic, the Ruffs fight for supremacy, 
and the place set apart for their battles is known as a “hill.” 
Though their aspect when fighting is very ferocious, they 
appear to do one another little mischief, the conquered Ruff 
being always more frightened than hurt. 
