Habitat: Dry areas near water with sandy banks.

Appearance: Breeds in colonies in southern and eastern Europe. Extremely rare breeding bird in the Netherlands and Belgium, summer visitor in very small numbers.

Breeding season: May to August, breeds in holes in the ground, 5 to 7 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 25 to 29 cm, wingspan 44 to 49 cm, weight 44 to 78 grams, lifespan 6 years.

Food: Insects.