Ruff
Philomachus pugnax
In winter plumage, this shore bird was in near-shore habitat at Lake Elementaita, Kenya. December 2015.
By the time the Ruff makes its way to Kenya in its migration from northern Europe and Asia its winter plumage has replaced its spectacular breeding plumage. Follow the images link below to see how these birds appear on their northerly breeding grounds.
Scolopacidae -- Sandpiper Family
Books:
- Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania by Zimmerman et al.
- Birds of East Africa by Stevenson and Fanshawe