Ruff song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Ruff, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

Males at the lek are largely silent, but may produce soft, purring or grunting sounds during displays. There is no elaborate song.

Calls

Typically quiet. Calls include a soft, low 'tew-it' or 'tew-tew-tew' in flight, and a short, sharp 'kek' or 'whit' when alarmed. Juveniles may emit a soft 'peep'.

When they vocalize

Most vocal during the breeding season, particularly at leks, though calls are generally subdued. Calls are also heard during migration, especially in flight.

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