
In posture, shape, and habits this long-distance migrant is somewhat suggestive of a golden-plover. It stands upright, has long wings and proportionally long legs and a short, straight, thin bill. The plain buffy face, and beady black eye give this species a pigeon-headed look. In all plumages, the bright white underside of the wing, with a dark bar across the base of the primaries, is distinctive. Adult: Upperparts dark brown with pale feather edges. Face and underparts buff, fading to white on the belly and vent. Legs are bright orange-yellow. Juvenile: Similar to adult, but paler below. Feathers on upperparts have dark centers and narrow buff margins creating a distinctive scaly pattern. Legs are pale yellow. Looks very long-winged in flight, with deep, powerful wingbeats. Yellow legs and needle-like bill separate this species from superficially similar golden-plovers. Very similar juv. Ruff is larger, has a heavier slightly drooped bill, looks more hump-backed, and has a white "U" at the base of the tail in flight.
Length: 19 (cm) Wingspan: 41 (cm)
Voice:
Usually silent. Occasionally gives a gentle tu.
Habitat:
Breeds on tundra. Migrants use grassland, plowed fields, dry edges of marshes, beaches. Unlike most shorebirds, this species is rarely found in water or on wet mudflats.
Behavior:
Males form leks on breeding grounds, attracting females by flashing their white wing linings. May be found in migration with Upland, Pectoral, and White-rumped Sandpipers.
Feeding:
Feeds on terrestrial invertebrates.
Field Notes
Expanded Life History
Feed Ecology And Diet | Contribute Content |
Nesting Habits | Contribute Content |
Migration Status | Contribute Content |
Conservation Status | Contribute Content |
Local Sites to Spot | Contribute Content |
Abundance Status | Contribute Content |
Adult Male Description | Contribute Content |
Adult Female Description | Contribute Content |
ITIS Taxonomic Number | Contribute Content |
Sonogram | Contribute Content |
Courtship | Contribute Content |
Reproductive Characteristics | Contribute Content |
Relationship to Humans | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Size & Shape | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Color & Pattern | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Habitat | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Behavior | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Wingspan | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Weight | Contribute Content |
Breeding | Contribute Content |
Cool Facts | Contribute Content |
Local Knowledge | Contribute Content |
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Sightings
Date | Submitted By | Count |
---|---|---|
09/30/08 | Steven Mauvais, OR | 1 |
12/26/11 | Joe Blowers, OR | # |
02/27/11 | Shawneen Finnegan, OR | # |
Recent Activity
Activity | Date & Time |
---|---|
Steven Mauvais added Buff-breasted Sandpiper to their Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge smart list | 1/10/2012 at 2:30PM |