Ruff id

sebastianbawn · #1 (**permalink**) 15-05-2011, 09:43 PM

Image 1 is of a male Ruff displaying. But the other images I am sure are male Ruff's but the plumage varies dramatically, is there a reason for this (younger males for instance)?

Adam Cheeseman · #2 (**permalink**) 16-05-2011, 08:41 AM

Male Ruffs' ruffs can vary greatly in colour as your photo's demonstrate. It has been shown than on display leks the males with the darker coloured ruffs are more dominant and successful with the females, known as Reeves.

Cheers,

Adam

sunnydale · #3 (**permalink**) 16-05-2011, 11:20 AM

Very nice images Sebastian. I've never seen a Male Ruff 'displaying' it's ruff!

- so it's nice to see it here!

Tracey

sebastianbawn · #4 (**permalink**) 16-05-2011, 05:45 PM

Thanks, they do vary alot! And thanks for the info on the dominance of darker ruffed males. I will admit I cheated though as these guys were in captivity, not lucky enough to see them in the wild