Ruff? Northern Iraq (1 Viewer)

[sharifaone]

Hi all,

saw 2 of these earlier this week. Ruffs? Due to the overall shape, I thought perhaps some sort of juvenile shank. Coloring is a bit like a juv. Dunlin, but not quite... and the shape is wrong. Size was like a small shank. I've never seen a Ruff before, so I'm not sure if this is actually one.

I appreciate any confirmation you can give.

 

[teamsaint]

Yes, Ruff.

The males are notably larger than the females which can cause confusion over size. There is also a lot variation between juveniles/adults and summer/winter plumage to add to confusion. This looks like a juvenile female moulting into its first-winter plumage.

 

[RafaelMatias]

All Ruff.

 

[sharifaone]

Thank you, teamsaint and RafaelMatias!