Cross-dressing may not be a widely recognised courtship strategy but it works for one species of Eurasian wading bird.

Certain male ruffs have been found to mimic females in order to get close to their love interest while avoiding the competition.

The female impersonators are seen in ‘leks’ – large gatherings where males go all-out to attract mates.

The tactic is one of three kinds of behaviour seen in the birds, each of which is driven by the same ‘supergene’.

Some male ruffs are highly territorial and aggressive show-offs that display spectacular plumes around their necks. Others, smaller with white feathers, are non-territorial but adept at stealing mates off their territorial rivals.

The cross-dressers also steal mates, but are more crafty. By lacking ornamental feathers and mimicking females, they are able to hide from other males in the lek before making their move.

Scientists writing in the journal Nature Genetics traced the odd behaviour to a ‘supergene’ – chunk of DNA containing a hundred or more genes which is thought to have evolved around four million years ago.

Lead researcher Terry Burke, from the University of Sheffield, said: “The special feature of the supergene is that it allows lots of genes that are next to each other on a chromosome – which in this case determine multiple traits including hormones, feathering, colour and size – to evolve together and create... distinct behavioural traits.

“The ruffs provide a neat example of how small genetic changes can lead to major differences in attractiveness and behaviour.”

He added: “Unlike young men at a social occasion who have each chosen a different approach to courtship, whether that’s showing off or paying a compliment, for these birds there is no choice in the matter. It’s their DNA that dictates how they win a partner.”