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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Tasiilaq, Greenland
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Spotted Lake emerges
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‘Ciao’ from Varenna
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A grotesque scene
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Harvest time in the Palouse
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A timeless view of the night sky
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Birthplace of Roman emperors
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Celebrating Helsinki’s birthday at the Kiasma Museum
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International Day of Color
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Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, Fukushima, Japan
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National Park Week: Wind Cave National Park
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Greece celebrates its independence
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Mekong River Delta, Long An, Vietnam
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A Portuguese fort takes a star turn
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Sea Otter Awareness Week
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Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California
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Swinging into International Jazz Day
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The Unfinished Obelisk near Aswan, Egypt
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Castle Square, Old Town, Warsaw, Poland
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Monarch butterflies in Angangueo, Mexico
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Everest s shadow on the Himalayas
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Remembering the Arizona
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Great horned owl near Lake Tohopekaliga, Florida
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The perfect canvas for an ancient text
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A tower of light
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World Reef Day
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Vietnam’s new bridge deserves a big hand
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Saint Dwynwen s Day
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Celebrating Flag Day: ‘O long may it wave’
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The Lena Delta Wildlife Reserve in Siberia, Russia