CreatureData

Ruff vs Surfbird

The surfbird is heavier: 201 g against 131.7 g for the ruff, about 53% more.

Ruff (Calidris pugnax)
Ruff LCLeast Concern
Photo: Wald1siedel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Surfbird (Calidris virgata)
Surfbird LCLeast Concern
Photo: marlin harms · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

What is the difference between a ruff and a surfbird?

Each point below is worked out from a pair of recorded values.

  • The surfbird is heavier: 201 g against 131.7 g for the ruff, about 53% more.
  • Both belong to the genus Calidris, so they are close relatives.
  • Both are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Side by side

RuffSurfbird
Scientific nameCalidris pugnaxCalidris virgata
FamilyScolopacidaeScolopacidae
OrderCharadriiformesCharadriiformes
Weight102 g – 180 g186.9 g – 216.2 g
LengthNot recordedNot recorded
Lifespan13.9 yearsNot recorded
Main foodNot recordedNot recorded
Habitatwetlandcoastal
Conservation statusLeast ConcernLeast Concern
Countries recordedNot recordedNot recorded

A scale drawing needs a recorded length for both animals; only weights are on record for this pair.

Full record: RuffFull record: SurfbirdCompare other animals