Ruff Calidris pugnax (Linnaeus, 1758)    Synonyms: Philomachus pugnax.
Kingdom Animalia   >   Phylum Chordata   >   Class Aves   >   Order Charadriiformes   >   Family Scolopacidae   >   Genus Calidris   

Status:

Ruff is a rare shorebird from Europe and Asia that is annually observed along the east coast of North America. While not observed annually in Maryland Ruff records are fairly consistent with observations occurring every two to three years. Almost all Ruff records in Maryland are from the coastal plain. The Frederick County record is the farthest west record for the state. Most Ruff observations occur in the spring in April and Mary followed by late summer observations in July and August. There are a handful of winter records from November and February.

Where to find:

Looks for Ruff where large numbers of shorebirds congregate during spring and fall migration. Shallow impoundments and flooded fields are the best places to check.

There are 57 records in the project database.

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GAALWAFR CLMOHOBA BCHA CE PG AA CV CHSM KE QA CN TA DO WI SO WO 
A Ruff at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (4/16/2012). Photo by Jim Stasz. (MBP list)

A Ruff found by Dave Palmer in Talbot Co., Maryland (4/27/2014). Photo by Ryan Johnson. (MBP list)

A Ruff in Worcester Co., Maryland (2/6/2021). (c) Jonathan Irons, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Jonathan Irons. (MBP list)

Ruff in Worcester Co., Maryland (2/6/2021). (c) david mlr, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by david_mlr via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

A Ruff in Talbot Co., Maryland (7/13/2016). Photo by Kurt Schwarz. (MBP list)

A Ruff in Talbot Co., Maryland (4/28/2014). Photo by Mike Burchett. (MBP list)

A Ruff showing the distinctive rump/tail pattern in Talbot Co., Maryland (4/28/2014). Photo by Mike Burchett. (MBP list)

A Ruff in Snow Hill, Worcester Co., Maryland (5/2/2010). Found by Ron Gutberlet. Photo by Bill Hubick. (MBP list)

Ruff in Prince George's Co., Maryland (4/16/2012). (c) Birder20714, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Jim Stasz. (MBP list)

A Ruff (left) in Harford Co., Maryland (7/18/2016). Photo by Mark Johnson. (MBP list)

Ruff in Worcester Co., Maryland (2/6/2021). (c) Jonathan Irons, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Jonathan Irons. (MBP list)

A Ruff in Harford Co., Maryland (7/18/2016). Photo by Mark Johnson. (MBP list)

A Ruff in Harford Co., Maryland (7/18/2016). Photo by Mark Johnson. (MBP list)

A young male Ruff at the Cape May Meadows, New Jersey (5/7/2008). Photo by Bill Hubick. (MBP list)(More of this species)

A Ruff at Merritt Island NWR, Florida (5/14/2012). Photo by Dan Irizarry. (MBP list)

A comparison photo of a Stilt Sandpiper (on the left) and a Ruff in Merritt Island NWR, Florida (5/14/2012). Photo by Dan Irizarry. (MBP list)

Ruff in Dorchester Co., Maryland (3/23/2021). (c) tomfeild, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Tom Feild. (MBP list)

A Ruff in Worcester Co., Maryland (1/13/2021). Photo by Jim Stasz. (MBP list)

Ruff in Harford Co., Maryland (7/18/2016). (c) Josh Emm, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Josh Emm. (MBP list)

Ruff in Dorchester Co., Maryland (1/29/2006). (c) Stephen John Davies, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Stephen John Davies via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

Ruff in Worcester Co., Maryland (2/6/2021). (c) Roshan Vignarajah, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Roshan Vignarajah via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

A Ruff at the Easton WWTP, Talbot Co., Maryland (7/24/1999). Photo by Jim Stasz. (MBP list)

A Ruff (Reeve) at Papermill Flats in Baltimore Co., Maryland (5/20/1981). Photo by Jim Stasz. (MBP list)

A Ruff on Hart-Miller Island, Maryland (8/6/1989). This profile is distinctive even at a distance. Photo by Bob Ringler. (MBP list)

A Ruff in Harford Co., Maryland (7/18/2016). Photo by Josh Emm. (MBP list)

Ruff in Talbot Co., Maryland (7/24/1999). (c) Birder20714, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Jim Stasz. (MBP list)

Ruff in Baltimore Co., Maryland (5/20/1981). (c) Birder20714, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Jim Stasz. (MBP list)


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