In non-breeding plumage male and females look alike, but males are much larger than females. Upper parts of the bird are brownish grey. Underparts of this birds are streaked. The Ruff has shortish dark bill with pale lores (area between base of the bill and the eye). Legs are usually orange, but can sometimes be shades of yellow, pink or brown.

This species breeds during the Northern Hemisphere summer (our winter) in a broad area from the Netherlands across northern Europe through to a narrow area zone of Arctic tundra and Arctic forest from Siberia to eastern Russia. Most Ruff non-breeding grounds are in Sub-Saharan Africa.

These non-breeding Palearctic migrants are present in South Africa from August/September to January/February the following year. The southern African population is between 50 000 and 200 000 birds

This species favours shallow water habitats with muddy areas and short, emergent () vegetation. Prefers vleis, pans, dams, sewerage works and are uncommon on muddy estuaries, saltmarshes and lagoons. They are uncommon along the Breede River Estuary.

Ruff’s feed in soft mud either by sticking its bill into the mud or by using rapid , shallow, closely spaced jabs into the mud. They will also take prey from the water surface or vegetation. In southern Africa the diet is not known, but appears to be insects and their larvae, brine shrimp and seeds.

The oldest known bird from southern Africa is at least 8 years old.