Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2013-71
| Common name: |
Ruff |
| Scientific name: | Philomachus pugnax |
| Date: | 09/28/2013 |
| Time: | 11:40 AM |
| Length of time observed: | 8 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | ? |
| Sex: | ? |
| Location: | Ogden Bay WMA, along North dike just east of man bridge |
| County: | Weber |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 90 yards |
| Optical equipment: | Vortex 15x45x60 HD spotter, Pentax binos. |
| Weather: | Clear and sunny |
| Light Conditions: | Good |
| Description: Size of bird: | 11" |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Yellowlegs but more plump |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Mottled gray on top with white edges to feathers, white below |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Short, tubular |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
I was unable to obtain a photo of this bird before a Harrier came in and mixed them up. Bird was in with Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs for plumage and size comparison. Was about the size of the Lesser Yellowlegs with a more plump body and a shorter, more tubular, bill. Yellowish legs. Black eye with a slight eye line behind eye. Was feeding in the same motion as the yellowlegs but with a bit aster of a pace. Feathers on back were more distinct than yellowlegs due to white edges. I debated on reporting this bird because of the rarity and I didn't have a photo. I wasn't able to find the bird again as I returned the next morning. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | |
| Behavior: | It was feeding in the same motion as the surrounding Yellowlegs but at a faster pace. |
| Habitat: | Marsh, shallow water and mud. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Yellowlegs. Ruff had a shorter, more tubular, bill and a deeper chest ( more plump in appearance).lacked eye ring. Yellow legs and size eliminated most others. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
None with a ruff. |
| References consulted: | Everything I could find. Internet, multiple field guides and Flickr. |
| Description from: | Notes taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Mike Hearell |
| Observer's address: | 173 W 1825 N |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 10/14/2013 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional_Comments: |