PDFDOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/vzoo-2014-0008
In the paper we discuss migration dynamics, biometry and stopover ecology of Ruff (Philomachus pugnax Linnaeus, 1758) in the Cholgini ornithological reserve. Also the observations, made in other regions of the western Ukraine, were used in the analysis. Th e base materials for this paper were collected during 1995–2012 by West-Ukrainian ornithological station, by conducting regular bird counts, ringing and taking measurements of migrating waders using standard methods. During Ruff spring migration two major waves of passage occured: the fi rst one is from the end of March till early April and the second — from the end of April to the end of May. The average number of a fl ock was equal 12 individuals. In the autumn passage dynamics of two waves can also be seen. Th e fi rst wave is observed in July with the peak in the middle of month. Second wave occurs in August and in fi rst two decades of September, with maximum bird numbers in the end of August. Th e passage dynamic of Ruff in the Cholgini reserve is very similar to the dynamic in other continental staging sites. Signifi cant diff erence was found in the wing length between the adult and juvenile Ruff s. Th e potential flight range of juvenile females was 3236 km, juvenile males — 2380 km, adult females — 2740 km.