Ruff

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax), bird in the sandpiper family. The term ruff refers to the male, while the term reeve refers to the female. The male measures about 12 in (30 cm) long and the female measures 10 in (25 cm) long. Both ruff and reeve are gray in appearance during the winter months. In spring, when courtship begins, the male displays a cluster of feathers on his head and neck of red, brown, black, and white feathers. The male uses these feathers in an elaborate courtship performance. Mostly an inhabitant of Europe and Asia, the ruff has been spotted in North America.