746 MICHIGAN BIRD LIVE. 
Ruff. Machetes pugnax (Linn.). (260) 
Synonyms: Reeve (for the female).—Tringa pugnax, Linn., 1758.—Pavoncella pugnax 
of some authors. 
In breeding plumage the male is unmistakable from the extraordinary 
development of the feathers of the neck, which form a collar or ruff which 
has given the bird its name. The male at other seasons, and the female 
and young at all times, lack this ruff and would be recognized only by the 
expert. 
Distribution.—Northern parts of the Old World, straying occasionally 
to eastern North America. 
The only record for this species in Michigan, so far as we know, is the 
statement of G. A. Stockwell which reads: “Two specimens taken by 
myself, and have heard of three or four others, all taken in Sanilac county, 
Michigan” (Forest and Stream, VIII, 22, 361). In view of the fact that 
no specimens have been preserved, and that this writer included several 
species erroneously, it seems best not to give the Ruff a place in the Mich- 
igan list until some new record is forthcoming. Of course there is no 
question as to the possibility of its occurrence, since it has been taken often 
enough in the Eastern United States to show that it probably comes south 
from Greenland with some frequency in company with other shore birds 
on their fall migration. MclIlwraith records the capture of a specimen 
near Toronto, Ontario, in the spring of 1882 (Birds of Ontario, 1894, 154). 
The Ruff is of about the same size as the Bartramian Sandpiper, and 
resembles that bird more nearly than any other of our shore birds. 
Rock Ptarmigan. Lagopus rupestris rupestris (Gmel.). (302) 
It is not likely that this bird ever enters Michigan, but McIlwraith says: 
“This is another northern species reported by Mr. Bampton as being 
occasionally exposed in the winter time in the market at Sault Ste. Marie 
(Canada). “It resembles the preceding in general appearance, but is 
rather less in size, and in winter plumage the black band through the eye 
of the male serves at once to decide its identity” (Birds of Ontario, 1894, 
177-178). 
Ground Dove. Chamepelia passerina terrestris (Chapm.). (320) 
The only record for the state is that published by Dr. H. A. Atkins of 
Locke, who stated, in July 1884, that in 1843, he met with a pair of these 
birds in the township of Brighton, Livingston county, Michigan (O. & O. 
Vol. IX, p. 81). Doubtless the good Doctor was mistaken, for, although 
perfectly honest and fairly reliable, a record first published forty-one 
years after the observation is certainly open to some question. The 
normal habitat of this species is in the South Atlantic’ and Gulf States, 
and it is extremely probable that the birds which Dr. Atkins saw were 
merely short-tailed young Mourning Doves. 
Black Vulture. Catharista urubu (Vveill.). (326) 
Black Vultures have been reported from time to time by correspondents 
in different parts of the state and’the nathe occurs in several’ of. the lists. 
There is little reason, however, to suppose that this species has even been 
taken within our limits. The Turkey Buzzard looks perfectly black under 
