Springtime is high-fashion season for the ruff. In wetlands across northern Europe and Asia, these medium-sized waders gather in marshes to form leks, which are small breeding areas used for courtship displays. Dominant males (also called independents) like the fancy fellow on our homepage, fluff up their colored and intricately patterned capes and collars and mock fight with each other. Their aim? Each wants to secure a prime spot on the lek to showcase his finery and entice watching females to choose him as a mate.
Making it work—in Norway
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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A tribute to the ancestors
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How do ladybugs winter?
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An icy extravaganza
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World Water Day
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Social climbing
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A dramatic view of Sicily
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A day for our oceans
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Illuminated Uluru
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Birds of a feather flocking together
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The Spirit of Harlem by Louis Delsarte
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Petrified Forest National Park
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Happy Easter!
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Drop in on International Surfing Day
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A reflection of Europe s past
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Monarch butterflies migrate south
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A storied trail marks a century
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Castle Day in Japan
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National Napping Day
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Happy Thanksgiving from an expert face-stuffer
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Sitting down and taking a stand
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Ready. Set. Snow.
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Gentoo penguins in Antarctica
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Pi Day
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Purple flowers and Golden Week
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Bird’s-eye view of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
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The village of Castelluccio above the Piano Grande, Umbria, Italy
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A field of English lavender
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Singing praises of the oceans
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Forward-thinking women of history
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Yabba-Dabba-Doo!