What does the Ruff eat?

The Ruff's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Omnivore (primarily invertebrates, some plant material)

How it forages

Forages by probing in soft mud or shallow water, picking items from the surface, or gleaning from vegetation. Diet consists mainly of insects (especially larvae of flies and beetles), crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and spiders. During migration and winter, they also consume seeds and other plant material.

When it feeds

Diurnal, though may forage at night during migration or in areas with tidal influence.

Explore the Ruff