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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Calidris pugnax
Ruff (male). Greek: μαχητής (αρσενικός). Gadouras River, April 2022.
Passage migrant, uncommon. Length: 22-32 cm, wingspan: 46-60 cm, males much larger than females. Sexes similar, but most breeding males acquire bizarre elaborate head and neck ornamental plumage. Rivers near seashore, lagoons. Forages by probing and picking, often in shallow water. Feeds on insects, crustaceans, molluscs, amphibians, small fish, seeds.
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