Male phenotypes in the ruff. (Left) Independent ruff males interacting at a lek. (Right) A Satellite ruff male with pale ornamental feathers at a lek. Photos courtesy of Tom Schandy. Ruff males have ...

Keepers at Torquay’s coastal zoo are preparing the ground for some fierce competition. They are cutting the grass and clearing undergrowth so that one species of bird can indulge in its extraordinary ...

Many men will have found themselves in the 'friend zone' when attempting to get close to a member of the opposite sex, but one species of Eurasian wading bird uses this to its advantage. Certain male ...

Markku Nikki (Finland) highlights the impressive jumps and flamboyant plumage that are part of the male ruff’s mating display. Each spring, Markku documents the spectacle at a communal display ground ...

The ruff has one of the weirdest sexual systems in the world – all thanks to a large piece of chromosome that was flipped over 3.8 million years ago. A type of wading sandpiper, ruffs are named after ...

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When it comes to birds and romance, the male ruff is pretty unique, according to new research coming out of Simon Fraser University. During mating season, females are approached by three distinct ...

Biologists have discovered the group of genes responsible for ruffs, a type of sandpiper, having four different genders, including a male that looks like a female and tricks females into mating. David ...