The Ruff

The Ruff is a fascinating species whose elaborate breeding behaviour has captivated ornithologists for decades. Their communal display grounds, or leks, provide an extreme example of a social system widespread in birds and other animals, in which brilliantly plumaged males seemingly compete for the attention of passing females. In this book, Johan van Rhijn explores this complex and intricate drama, both to lay bare the details of the players' private lives, and to provide a means of exploring the wider variety of wader breeding systems. Strands of evidence for all aspects of the Ruffs life, in and out of the breeding season, come together to give a thought-provoking insight into this important area of biology. Specialists and birdwatchers alike will have much to learn from this intriguing story and the insights it provides. Illustrated by Ian Willis