ML38620331

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Ruff is near center, in the open. Note that it is bigger, bulkier and more buffy than the neighboring Lesser Yellowlegs, which are slimmer and grayer. Note the buffy neck and upper breast. The bill is about as long proportionally as that of the Lesser Yellowlegs, but it seems to turn down slightly, in comparison to the straight bill of the Lesser. The patterning on the upperparts, which shows much better on another photo, is barely evident here. Neither is the yellowish leg color. I suppose Pectoral S. is another candidate to consider. But its length is 8.5" as compared to 10" of the Lesser Yellowlegs. The line of contrast between the Pectoral's dark breast and white belly should be lower and extend directly to the wing, not leaving a large gap as is the case in the bird in the photo. The Pectoral has a sharp black or blackish eyeline, most prominent between the eye and the bill. That is one of the palest areas -- no hint of a line -- on the bird in the photo. In general, the Ruff has a pale, relatively unmarked face (except for the line behind the eye), while the Pectoral has a busy, dark and variagated face. (It is true that the slightly decurved bill of the bird in the photo is similar to that of the Pectoral.)

Technical information

Model

DSC-HX1

ISO

125

Focal length

100 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/5.2

Shutter speed

1/250 sec

Dimensions

1024 pixels x 682 pixels

Original file size

332.15 KB