Lot Essay
Gould observed 'During spring, or breeding-season the male is adorned with the most profuse ornamentation, in the shape of neck-plumes and ear-tufts, that can be conceived...for of all the Sandpipers this bird is the most extraordinary, and possesses characteristics unlike any other.'
The Ruff is depicted in nuptial plumage with the female in summer plumage, and males in courtship display behind.
See the following lot for a watercolour of young birds in autumn plumage.
DISTRIBUTION: Northern Eurasia and northwest Alaska. Winters from west and south Europe, south Asia and Philippines south to south Africa and Australia and in small numbers to Hawaiian Islands and Americas. In Britain formerly widespread but ceased to breed regularly after 1871; bred sporadically until 1921 and from 1963 has bred regularly in small numbers
The Ruff is depicted in nuptial plumage with the female in summer plumage, and males in courtship display behind.
See the following lot for a watercolour of young birds in autumn plumage.
DISTRIBUTION: Northern Eurasia and northwest Alaska. Winters from west and south Europe, south Asia and Philippines south to south Africa and Australia and in small numbers to Hawaiian Islands and Americas. In Britain formerly widespread but ceased to breed regularly after 1871; bred sporadically until 1921 and from 1963 has bred regularly in small numbers