Ruff

(ruf.) The Philomachus pugnax, a bird of the fam. Scolopacidæ, which derives its name from the disposition of the long feathers of the neck, which stand out like the ruff formerly worn; it is, however, only the male that is furnished with this appendage, which he does not obtain till the second year. Ruffs are natives of N. Europe and Asia, but are killed so often on Long Island as to entitle the species to a place among Ν. American birds. They are generally taken in large nets. When fattened, they are dre ed like the woodcock, and their flesh is highly esteemed. Their pugnacious disposition is so strong, that when they are kept for the purpose of fattening, their place of confinement must be dark, for the moment any light is admitted they attack each other with fury. [s. 782]