Hi,
-- A few images to show the variations in plumage of the Ruff in winter. To make a fair comparison have selected images of birds from the same flock, on the same day and in similar postures.
These were shot in February and there was roughly an equal distribution of birds in classical non-breeding plumage and one which showed various degrees of molt.
Notes from observations in April show the distribution skewed towards birds in molt. My inference being that some birds do not get back to the full text book case of non-breeding plumage, molting being a costly process (more so in case of Ruff) it might be affected by factors like health of bird, nutrition etc..
Ruff 4636 - 'Classic' non-breeding plumage, no white on head and neck and greyish black bill
Ruff 4623 - Patchy white in head and neck, bi-colored bill
Ruff 4800 - Head and neck white looking thick and downy, mantle white so are some coverts. Bill Bi-colored
Ruff 4800 - Head and neck white looking thick and downy, mantle white so are some coverts. Bill Bi-colored
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