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Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

The Ruff is a rare, non-breeding migratory shorebird that uses freshwater, brackish and saline wetlands, especially wetlands with exposed mudflats. On works sites, it may occur at shallow wetlands, tidal mudflats, estuaries and wetland edges, where clearing, disturbance, lighting or changes to water levels can affect feeding and roosting. It is listed as migratory under the EPBC Act through Bonn, JAMBA, CAMBA and ROKAMBA, and is least concern as a threatened species in Australia.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Listed migratory. Listed under the Bonn Convention, CAMBA, JAMBA and ROKAMBA. Listed migratory species are a matter of national environmental significance, so a significant impact needs referral.

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Special least concern. A least concern bird covered by an international migratory bird agreement. Tampering with its breeding place needs a high risk species management program.

Western Australia, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Specially protected (migratory).

Migration and breeding season

Ruff is a rare, regular non-breeding visitor to Australia, with most records involving one or a few birds. Timing varies between regions and years, but birds generally arrive from August to October and depart north between March and April.

Breeding mode: Egg-laying bird. Breeds overseas, mainly in Arctic marshes of northern Europe and Russia.

Clutch size: Not recorded.

Incubation: Not recorded.

Fledging: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Nest site: Nest structure and precise nest sites are not recorded. Breeding habitat is described as Arctic marshes.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded.

The timing can shift between years and regions, so confirm local presence with records and surveys covering both high tide roosts and low tide foraging areas before clearing or construction.

  • Breeding overseas, Arctic marshes: Breeding occurs in the Northern Hemisphere, with the main period generally falling between May and August.
  • Southward arrival in Australia: Arrival is recorded from August to October, with September a useful planning month for early presence.
  • Non-breeding presence in Australia: Birds may use freshwater, brackish or saline wetlands, exposed mudflats and shallow water, with some individuals overwintering in Australia.
  • Northward departure from Australia: Most birds depart between March and April for overseas breeding areas.
  • Highest clearing risk: Risk is highest from October to March when migratory shorebirds are concentrated at wetlands, roosts and exposed mudflats in Australia.

Identification: Appearance

The Ruff is a medium-sized wader with a short bill and relatively long legs. It is uncommon in Australia, so field identification should be checked carefully, especially where several small to medium shorebird species occur together.

Breeding males have a large neck ruff and erect ear tufts. The breeding plumage can range from black to white, with many combinations between those colours. Leg colour may be green, orange or yellow.

Females do not develop the large ruff or ear tufts. Non-breeding birds are mainly brown and black above, with grey across the breast and two white oval patches on the tail that can be seen in flight.

Family: Scolopacidae

Group: Shorebird

Australian status: Rare non-breeding migrant

  • Short bill.
  • Medium-sized wader.
  • Males about 30 to 33 cm long.
  • Females about 23 cm long.

Identification: Calls and similar species

A dependable field call description is not available for this species. Do not rely on calls alone for identification.

Ruff can be confused with other medium-sized waders, particularly when seen briefly, at a distance or in non-breeding plumage. Confirm the combination of body shape, bill, leg colour, plumage and the white tail patches in flight.

  • Use a telescope or binoculars where practical.
  • Photograph unusual records for later checking.
  • Have an experienced ecologist confirm records that could affect clearing decisions.

Identification: Field signs

Ruff-specific droppings, nests, whitewash, stains and odour are not useful identification features on works sites. The species is more reliably detected by direct observation in suitable wetland habitat.

Record the bird's location, activity, tide or water level, flock association and direction of movement. Note whether it is feeding, roosting or flying through.

  • Look for birds on exposed mud, shallow water and wetland edges.
  • Record the habitat used, not just the point where the bird was first seen.
  • Avoid flushing birds while checking their identity.

Distribution: Australian range

In Australia, the Ruff is a rare but regular non-breeding visitor. It has been recorded in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, usually in low numbers.

Records are associated with coastal and inland wetlands, freshwater and brackish wetlands, sewage farms, saltworks, estuaries and tidal mudflats. The species is observed most often in eastern Australia, particularly Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, and also occurs in Western Australia, including the south-west and the North West Cape region.

Australian occurrence: Rare non-breeding migrant

South Australian information: Rare in the Coorong and Lower Lakes region, with a maximum of one bird recorded in the cited Coorong series

  • New South Wales.
  • Northern Territory.
  • Queensland.
  • South Australia.
  • Victoria.
  • Western Australia.

Distribution: Site-scale occurrence

Ruff may occur as a single bird or in very small numbers. A site record can therefore be significant even when there is no large flock.

It has been recorded at wetlands in project areas and has been assessed as having medium or low likelihood in some survey areas where suitable mudflat habitat was present. A single survey can miss the species.

  • Check wetland margins within and near the clearing footprint.
  • Include connected wetlands, tidal flats and nearby roosts in the assessment.
  • Treat historical records as useful evidence even when they are several years old.

Distribution: Overseas range

The Ruff breeds in Arctic marshes, including northern Europe and Russia. Some individuals also breed in Alaska. Most of the global population migrates to Africa, while some birds migrate to Australia.

  • Australia is used mainly during the non-breeding period.
  • The species is associated with the East Asian to Australasian Flyway in Australian project regions.

Habitat: Wetland types

Look for Ruff in open wetlands with shallow water and exposed edges. The most useful site features are soft mud, low vegetation, wetland margins and areas that remain available as water levels change.

Ruff uses fresh, brackish and saline wetlands. Suitable habitats include freshwater lakes, swamps, pools, lagoons, floodlands, salt ponds, tidal rivers, estuaries and sheltered coastal wetlands.

  • Freshwater and brackish wetlands.
  • Shallow lakes, swamps and pools.
  • Salt ponds and saline wetlands.
  • Tidal rivers, estuaries and sheltered coasts.
  • Sewage farms and saltworks.

Habitat: Features to check on site

Prioritise wetland edges with exposed mudflats. Broad, open intertidal mudflats can provide both feeding and roosting opportunities, particularly where there is little dense vegetation and birds can see approaching people, vehicles and predators.

  • Exposed mud at the edge of water.
  • Shallow water and wet depressions.
  • Floodlands and swampy fields.
  • Low or short vegetation beside wet areas.
  • Connected wetlands and tidal flats outside the immediate footprint.

Habitat: Habitat assessment

Map both the wetland itself and the areas birds use to move between feeding and roosting sites. Consider seasonal water levels, rainfall, tidal inundation and whether construction could change drainage or water quality.

Ruff-specific habitat thresholds are not established. Assess the site as part of the wider migratory shorebird system, including other shorebird species and nearby wetlands.

  • Map permanent and temporary water.
  • Record mudflat extent at different water levels where feasible.
  • Identify high ground or short vegetation that could be used for roosting.
  • Check whether similar habitat is limited in the surrounding area.

Foraging habitat: Foraging places

Ruff feeds around exposed mud and shallow water, including at the edges of wetlands. It may forage during the day or night and can increase feeding before migration.

Look along exposed mudflats, shallow water, wetland margins and occasionally dry mud. The species may also use dry waterside plants, swampy fields and floodlands.

It may wade to belly depth and can swim. Feeding birds may be spread along a wetland edge rather than gathered in a dense flock.

  • Exposed intertidal mudflats.
  • Shallow freshwater, brackish or saline water.
  • Wet mud around pools and lagoons.
  • Dry mud and waterside plants.
  • Edges of tidal rivers and estuaries.

Foraging habitat: Feeding behaviour and diet

Ruff probes and pecks in water, wet or dry ground and dead vegetation at the water's edge. It is insectivorous on its breeding grounds and omnivorous in Australia.

  • Insects and other invertebrates.
  • Annelids, molluscs and crustaceans.
  • Spiders and small aquatic animals.
  • Seeds, moss and other plant material.
  • Fish and amphibians have also been recorded in the broader diet.

Foraging habitat: Construction checks

Before clearing, inspect all wetland edges and shallow-water areas at suitable tide or water levels. Record feeding locations and the distance between feeding birds and proposed works.

Avoid driving through mudflats or shallow wetland margins. Prevent sediment, fuel, concrete washout and other pollutants from entering feeding areas.

  • Keep vehicles on defined access routes.
  • Use effective drainage and stormwater controls.
  • Control weeds and imported fill.
  • Record disturbance, flight responses and changes in feeding behaviour.

Breeding habitat: Breeding range

Ruff breeds in Arctic marshes and does not breed in Australia. Australian works planning should therefore focus on protecting non-breeding feeding and roosting habitat rather than identifying breeding nests.

The breeding range includes northern Europe, Russia and Arctic marshes. Some birds also breed in Alaska. No Australian breeding population is recognised for works-site planning.

  • Do not treat an Australian sighting as evidence of local breeding.
  • The Australian breeding-place provisions relevant to this profile concern protected migratory shorebird habitat and, in Queensland, special least concern animals.

Breeding habitat: Breeding-place checks in Queensland

In Queensland, the Ruff is a special least concern animal because it is a least concern bird covered by JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA or the Bonn Convention. Tampering with its breeding place requires a high risk species management program.

Ruff is not expected to breed in Queensland, but any unusual behaviour suggesting nesting should be recorded and referred to the project ecologist before works continue.

Queensland status: Special least concern

Breeding in Australia: Not recorded as a regular breeding species

  • Stop and assess any bird repeatedly returning to one location.
  • Do not disturb suspected nests or dependent young.
  • Obtain the required approvals and management advice before altering a suspected breeding place.

Breeding habitat: Practical site approach

Maintain a conservative approach where a bird is injured, grounded or showing persistent territorial behaviour. Use an experienced fauna spotter catcher or ecologist to confirm the species and determine whether the behaviour is consistent with breeding or with roosting and feeding.

  • Record behaviour, coordinates, photographs and habitat condition.
  • Keep people, dogs and machinery away while the assessment is made.
  • Escalate any suspected breeding record to the relevant environmental manager.

Sheltering habitat: Roosting places

Ruff generally roosts in short vegetation near wetlands and may use exposed intertidal flats. Roosts can be quiet, open areas where birds can see approaching predators and people.

Look for short vegetation, open wetland margins, exposed mudflats and shallow intertidal areas above or near the feeding zone. Intertidal mangroves may form part of general shorebird habitat, but Ruff-specific use of mangroves has not been established.

  • Short grass or low vegetation beside water.
  • Open mudflats at high tide or when feeding areas are inundated.
  • Raised wetland edges and open ground near shallow water.
  • Quiet areas with low levels of artificial light.

Sheltering habitat: High-tide and low-tide use

A bird may feed at low tide and move to a roost as the tide rises. Survey both conditions where the site is tidal. Do not assume that an empty mudflat is unused if the survey was undertaken only at high tide.

  • Map high-tide roosts separately from low-tide feeding areas.
  • Watch flight paths between feeding and roosting areas.
  • Record tide, weather, water level and disturbance during each count.

Sheltering habitat: Roost protection on works sites

Keep people, dogs, vehicles, lights and machinery away from roosting birds. Use the smallest practical work area and maintain clear access for birds between feeding areas and roosts.

Where construction is near a roost, use barriers to screen activity, direct lighting away from the habitat and avoid noisy work during high tide when birds may be resting.

  • Prevent dogs from chasing shorebirds.
  • Keep vehicles within approved routes and the construction footprint.
  • Use static lighting rather than flickering lights.
  • Limit unnecessary noise and sudden activity.

Migration and seasonal presence: Seasonal presence

The Ruff is a migratory visitor to Australia and uses the country during the non-breeding period. Most Australian records fall between September and April, with passage and seasonal presence varying between regions and individuals.

The species arrives in Australia around September. General migratory shorebird guidance places arrival from August to October, with some non-breeding adults and juveniles overwintering in Australia. Departure is generally from March to April, with April recorded for the Coorong region.

Arrival in Australia: September, with broader arrival guidance of August to October

Departure from Australia: March to April

Breeding range: Arctic marshes in northern Europe and Russia, with some breeding in Alaska

Non-breeding range: Some birds migrate to Australia. Many of the global population migrate to Africa

  • Arrival and early passage, August to October.
  • Main non-breeding period, roughly October to March.
  • Northward departure, March to April.
  • Some birds may remain outside the main period.

Migration and seasonal presence: Important habitat

Assess wetlands as part of the wider East Asian to Australasian Flyway. A site may be important even when Ruff occurs in low numbers, particularly where it supports several migratory shorebird species or forms part of a connected wetland network.

Under migratory shorebird guidance, important habitat concepts include sites supporting at least 0.1 percent of a flyway population of one species, at least 2,000 migratory shorebirds, or at least 15 migratory shorebird species.

  • Check whether the site supports regular feeding or roosting.
  • Consider nearby wetlands and connected habitat.
  • Use current flyway population estimates when applying the 0.1 percent test.
  • Refer to EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.21 and the 2017 industry guidelines.

Migration and seasonal presence: Survey timing and effort

Survey during the main non-breeding period, roughly October to March, and cover both high-tide roosts and low-tide feeding areas. At least two surveys in summer and around high tide are recommended in migratory shorebird guidance, with counts from suitable vantage points.

Record all shorebirds, numbers, behaviour, habitat, tide, weather and disturbance. Include people, dogs, lights, noise, machinery and flight responses.

  • Use telescopes or binoculars from suitable vantage points.
  • Survey high-tide roosts and low-tide feeding areas.
  • Repeat surveys when water levels or tides change substantially.
  • Plan additional surveys if the habitat is difficult to view or the species is likely to occur in low numbers.

Migration and seasonal presence: Works timing

Where practicable, schedule noisy or disruptive works outside the peak non-breeding period. If works must occur during the season, stage them away from roosts and feeding areas and use a site-specific disturbance plan.

  • Consider May to August for construction where this suits the project and other environmental constraints.
  • Avoid high-tide periods for noisy work near roosts.
  • Prefer mid-tide periods where work cannot avoid the tidal cycle.
  • Keep construction lighting away from feeding and roosting habitat.

Threats: Habitat loss and modification

The main risks on clearing and construction sites are loss of wetland habitat, disturbance of feeding and roosting birds, artificial light and changes to water quality or drainage. Ruff is usually present in small numbers, so a single bird should not be dismissed without considering the wider habitat.

Clearing mudflats, wetland edges, shallow water or short vegetation can remove feeding and roosting habitat. Drainage changes, sedimentation, altered tidal flow and polluted runoff can reduce the food available to shorebirds.

  • Avoid permanent clearing of wetlands and exposed mudflats.
  • Keep temporary clearing to the smallest practical area and rehabilitate it after works.
  • Maintain wetland hydrology and natural drainage.
  • Use sediment, erosion, fuel and spill controls.

Threats: Disturbance from people, dogs and machinery

Repeated flushing can interrupt feeding and roosting, increase energy use and cause birds to abandon suitable habitat. Disturbance can come from workers, vehicles, recreational users, dogs, boats, aircraft, noise and sudden movement.

  • Set clear access controls around roosts and feeding areas.
  • Keep dogs away and use signs at access points.
  • Keep vehicles on regular routes and out of mudflats.
  • Group noisy work and avoid high-tide roosting periods.
  • Record and respond to repeated flight or alarm behaviour.

Threats: Artificial light and structures

Artificial light can disorient night flights, reduce use of nocturnal roosts and alter feeding and movement. It can also increase collision risk and attract birds towards less suitable habitat.

  • Aim lights away from wetlands, mudflats and roosts.
  • Use the lowest practical light spill and avoid unnecessary lighting.
  • Use static lights rather than flickering lights.
  • Screen work areas and keep lighting within the construction footprint.
  • Assess tall structures, cables and other collision hazards near regular flight paths.

Threats: Predators, weeds and pollution

Feral cats, foxes and pigs can affect shorebirds and their habitat. Weeds, imported fill, poor waste management, fuel spills and stormwater runoff can reduce the quality of wetland feeding areas.

  • Implement a pest-management plan where predators are present.
  • Use vehicle hygiene, weed inspections and clean-down procedures.
  • Control imported fill and prevent weed establishment.
  • Manage waste, fuel and chemicals strictly.
  • Use effective drainage and stormwater controls.
  • Rehabilitate disturbed wetland margins promptly.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Ruff is a rare, irregularly distributed non-breeding migrant in Australia. It may occur from September to April, with many migratory shorebirds arriving from August to October and departing in March or April. Surveys should target wetlands and intertidal areas during this period.

Search the national protected matters database, state databases, local records and recent wetland surveys. Check records within the project area and the surrounding landscape.

Map freshwater, brackish and saline wetlands, exposed mudflats, shallow water, tidal flats, saltmarsh, sewage farms, saltworks and sheltered coastal areas.

Identify connected wetlands, likely high tide roosts, low tide feeding areas and movement corridors. Check whether the site may form part of an important migratory shorebird area.

Australian presence: Rare non-breeding visitor, generally from September to April

Breeding range: Arctic marshes, including northern Europe, Russia and Alaska

Typical habitat: Fresh, brackish or saline wetlands with exposed mudflats and shallow water

  • Flag a site supporting at least 0.1 percent of the flyway population of Ruff, at least 2,000 migratory shorebirds, or at least 15 migratory shorebird species as potentially important habitat.
  • Treat the 0.1 percent threshold carefully. Recent estimates place the East Asian Australasian Flyway population at about 500 to 1,000 Ruff, so a single bird may meet the numerical threshold used in some assessments.
  • Confirm current thresholds and assessment requirements against EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.21 before relying on a database result.

Survey methodology: 2. Field survey timing and coverage

Survey during the main non-breeding period, roughly October to March, while allowing for records from September to April. Repeat surveys where habitat is suitable or the species is difficult to detect.

Cover both high tide roosts and low tide feeding areas. Survey at least two times in summer and include at least two high tide and two low tide survey occasions where the project may affect shorebird habitat.

Plan high tide counts within about two hours either side of high tide and low tide counts within about two hours either side of low tide. Add surveys during passage periods in August to October and March to April where timing or habitat makes this relevant.

Use a suitable vantage point that provides a clear view without entering the wetland or approaching birds. Use binoculars and a telescope for distant flocks and concealed birds.

Survey period: Main non-breeding period, roughly October to March

Tide coverage: High tide for roosting areas and low tide foraging areas

Count approach: Stationary counts from suitable vantage points, supplemented by careful walking where this will not disturb birds

  • Survey freshwater, brackish and saline wetlands, exposed mudflats, shallow water margins, short vegetation and nearby roost areas.
  • Repeat counts under different tide, weather and water-level conditions where possible.
  • Do not rely on a single visit for a low-density or irregular migrant.

Survey methodology: 3. Detection and records

Scan slowly across the whole wetland edge, mudflat and roost. Ruff may occur alone or in a mixed shorebird flock and may be overlooked among other waders.

Record birds feeding, roosting, flying, swimming or moving between wetlands. Note whether birds leave in response to people, vehicles, dogs, machinery, noise or lights.

Use photographs or careful field sketches for unusual records. Seek confirmation from an experienced shorebird observer when identification is uncertain.

  • Record date, start and finish time, tide state, weather, water level and surveyors.
  • Record exact location, number of Ruff, plumage, behaviour, flight direction and habitat used.
  • Map high tide roosts, feeding areas, access routes, disturbance sources and any areas where birds are displaced.
  • Record all migratory shorebird species and total numbers, not just Ruff.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Plan the work around wetland use and the seasonal presence of migratory shorebirds. Avoid habitat loss and disturbance first, then use site controls to protect birds that remain nearby.

Refer a proposed action under the EPBC Act if it may have a significant impact on Ruff or other listed migratory shorebirds. Use EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.21 and the industry guidelines for avoiding, assessing and mitigating impacts on EPBC listed migratory shorebird species.

Check state and territory requirements before clearing or disturbing habitat. Obtain any required wildlife, clearing, planning and animal handling approvals.

In Queensland, Ruff is a special least concern animal because it is a least concern bird covered by JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA or the Bonn Convention. Obtain a high risk species management plan where the activity may tamper with a breeding place, and confirm whether other Queensland approvals apply.

  • Document the referral decision, approval conditions and proposed controls in the construction environmental management plan.
  • Use authorised fauna spotter catchers and comply with their permit conditions.
  • Stop work if approval conditions cannot be met or if an unexpected significant habitat use is identified.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and timing

Keep wetlands, mudflats, shallow water and established roosts outside the clearing footprint. Retain natural water levels and drainage patterns.

Schedule noisy or intrusive work outside the main non-breeding period where practicable. May to August is generally preferred for work in areas used by migratory shorebirds, subject to local records and approval conditions.

Do not assume a site is unused because Ruff is absent on one visit. Some birds are rare, mobile and irregular in occurrence.

  • Avoid work at high tide when birds are roosting and at low tide when birds are feeding. If work cannot be avoided, use mid-tide periods where this reduces conflict.
  • Keep construction lighting away from wetlands, mudflats and roosts. Use static, shielded lights directed into the work area.
  • Retain dark flight paths and avoid unnecessary night lighting that may disorient birds or reduce use of nocturnal roosts.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance survey and buffers

Complete a pre-clearance survey shortly before works begin, including all wetland edges, mudflats, roosts and likely feeding areas. Repeat the check if work is delayed, water levels change or birds arrive.

Set buffers around roosts and feeding areas using the approved environmental assessment, the sensitivity of the site, visibility, noise, lighting, machinery and the ability of birds to move safely. No universal Ruff-specific buffer distance is available.

Mark exclusion areas on plans and on the ground. Use fencing or other barriers that do not trap or funnel birds.

  • Check for birds immediately before daily works near wetland habitat.
  • Include high tide roosts and low tide feeding areas in the exclusion plan.
  • Increase the buffer or stop work if birds repeatedly flush, circle, abandon a roost or stop feeding.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Induction and site controls

Induct all workers, contractors and visitors before entering the site. Explain the species, its protected migratory status, exclusion areas, reporting process and stop-work authority.

Keep vehicles and machinery within approved access routes and the construction footprint. Prevent dogs from entering shorebird habitat or chasing birds.

Install signs at access points where public or contractor access could disturb roosting or feeding birds.

  • Nominate a fauna spotter catcher or environmental officer with authority to stop work.
  • Explain that no person may approach, handle or move a bird unless authorised.
  • Include spill response, waste control, weed hygiene and predator control in the site environmental plan.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Use a staged approach and keep a clear chain of authority on site. The fauna spotter catcher should be able to stop work immediately when a bird, roost or unexpected habitat feature is found.

Clear the smallest practical area at a time. Work from disturbed ground towards retained habitat so birds and other fauna can move away from machinery.

Keep wetland edges, mudflats and roosts undisturbed until the work area has been checked and controls are in place.

Maintain exclusion fencing, access controls and lighting controls throughout the work, not only during the initial clearing.

  • Complete a daily fauna and habitat check before machinery starts.
  • Use slow, visible machinery movements near retained habitat.
  • Stop machinery before entering any exclusion zone or when birds are being displaced.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Stop-work response

The fauna spotter catcher must stop work if Ruff or another migratory shorebird enters the work area, if a flock is flushed repeatedly, or if a roost or feeding area is found where none was mapped.

Move people and machinery back to the agreed boundary. Allow birds to settle and assess whether the work can proceed without disturbance.

Obtain approval from the environmental manager before changing the buffer, work method, timing or lighting.

  • Record the species, number, location, behaviour, disturbance source and time of the event.
  • Use a spotter or observer to check whether birds return and continue feeding or roosting.
  • Escalate repeated displacement, abandonment of a roost, injury or mortality to the project manager and relevant authority.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Handling and active breeding places

Do not catch, chase or move Ruff unless this is authorised under the relevant permit and is necessary for animal welfare or approved management. Ruff does not breed in Australia, but treat any suspected breeding activity as a protected breeding-place issue until assessed.

If an active breeding place, colony or roost is found, stop work in the vicinity. Protect the area with a clearly marked exclusion zone and obtain advice from the relevant wildlife authority and project ecologist.

Do not enter a roost or attempt to flush birds to make them easier to identify.

  • Allow only authorised and trained personnel to handle animals.
  • Do not use relocation as a substitute for avoiding habitat disturbance.
  • Review the approval and species management plan before any work resumes.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured or dead animals

Keep people, vehicles and dogs away from an injured bird. Do not give food or water and do not release it without advice.

Contact the approved wildlife rehabilitator, local wildlife authority or project fauna specialist. Follow permit conditions for capture, containment, transport and release.

If a bird is dead, avoid unnecessary handling. Photograph and record the location, condition and likely cause, then follow the incident reporting procedure.

  • Use a clean, ventilated container only when directed by an authorised wildlife professional.
  • Record whether the injury may relate to machinery, lighting, fencing, collision, pollution or disturbance.
  • Preserve evidence where safe, including photographs, tracks, debris and lighting or machinery settings.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance checks

Post-work checks should confirm that birds can still use retained habitat and that controls worked as intended. Review every incident, including near misses and repeated flushing.

Inspect the cleared area, exclusion boundaries, wetland edge and nearby roosts after each clearing stage. Check for injured or dead birds, stranded animals, damaged habitat and blocked drainage.

At the next suitable tide, check whether birds are using retained feeding and roosting areas. Compare numbers, distribution and behaviour with pre-work observations.

Remove temporary hazards such as unsecured mesh, pits, open pipes, waste and lighting that spills into habitat.

  • Check high tide roosts and low tide feeding areas.
  • Confirm that water continues to reach retained wetland habitat.
  • Repair or extend exclusion fencing if birds enter unsafe areas.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Monitoring and reporting

Record all Ruff sightings and all migratory shorebird observations during and after construction. Continue monitoring during the main non-breeding period when habitat remains suitable.

Report approval breaches, injury, mortality, repeated disturbance, roost abandonment and unexpected habitat loss to the project manager and relevant authority.

Keep a spatial record of sightings, roosts, feeding areas, work fronts, incidents and mitigation measures.

  • Compare monitoring results with the baseline survey.
  • Report changes in abundance, distribution, behaviour and habitat use.
  • Retain photographs, field sheets, maps, weather and tide information with the project records.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Relocated animals and incident review

If an authorised relocation has occurred, confirm the release location, condition of the bird and any follow-up required by the permit or rehabilitator.

Review the incident with the fauna spotter catcher, supervisor and project ecologist before work resumes in the affected area.

Change the work method, timing, lighting, access route or buffer when monitoring shows that birds are being disturbed.

  • Identify the cause of the event and whether it was foreseeable.
  • Update the site induction and environmental controls.
  • Share lessons with all crews working near wetlands and shorebird habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore wetland habitat

Rehabilitation should restore wetland function and provide safe feeding and roosting habitat. Ruff is a wetland migrant rather than an Australian breeding resident, so habitat restoration is more useful than installing artificial breeding structures.

Reinstate natural drainage, shallow water, exposed mudflats and wetland edges where these were temporarily disturbed. Match the original landform and water regime as closely as practicable.

Rehabilitate temporary clearing promptly after construction. Use local native wetland, saltmarsh and fringing plant species suited to the site.

Retain a mosaic of shallow water, open mud and short vegetation. Avoid dense planting across areas used for open feeding or roosting.

  • Remove compacted soil and construction debris from wetland margins.
  • Prevent sediment, concrete washout, fuel and other pollutants from entering wetlands.
  • Use erosion and sediment controls until the site is stable.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Water, weeds and predators

Maintain water quality and seasonal water levels that support wetland invertebrates and exposed feeding margins. Do not create permanent standing water where it changes the approved habitat or increases disease or predator risk.

Control weeds before they dominate mudflat edges, shallow wetlands or short roost vegetation. Use weed hygiene for vehicles, machinery, fill and materials.

Manage feral cats, foxes, pigs and other predators in accordance with the project plan and relevant approvals.

  • Inspect rehabilitation after rainfall, tidal events and major earthworks.
  • Remove invasive plants before seed set where practicable.
  • Keep waste, food and carcasses away from wetland margins.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Lighting and structures

Remove temporary lighting when it is no longer needed. Keep permanent lighting shielded, static and directed away from feeding and roosting habitat.

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes or artificial nest sites for Ruff. The species breeds in Arctic marshes and does not use these structures in Australia.

Only install artificial roost structures where a site-specific assessment shows that another target species requires them and the structure will not reduce open wetland habitat or increase disturbance.

  • Design structures to avoid collision, entrapment and predator access.
  • Keep infrastructure outside mapped roost and feeding areas where practicable.
  • Check that fencing, poles, wires and other structures do not create new collision hazards.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Long-term monitoring

Monitor rehabilitated wetlands through at least the relevant migratory season and continue for the period required by approval conditions. Use the same vantage points and tide-based methods as the baseline survey.

Measure vegetation cover, exposed mud, shallow water, water quality, weed cover, lighting and bird use. Record Ruff separately from total shorebird counts.

Use results to adjust weed control, water management, lighting, access restrictions and disturbance controls.

  • Survey high tide roosts and low tide feeding areas.
  • Compare species numbers, habitat use and disturbance responses with pre-construction records.
  • Close out rehabilitation only when the wetland is stable, controls are effective and monitoring requirements have been met.

Sources