Habitat: All types of open waters, shallow freshwater lakes and marshes, also at sea during migration.

Appearance: Summer visitor in southern and central Europe. Extremely rare breeding bird in Belgium and the Netherlands – very small numbers pass through.

Breeding season: May to July; colonies near water, 2 to 3 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 24 to 28 cm, wingspan 57 to 63 cm, weight 80 to 95 grams, lifespan 10 years.

Food: Insects and small fish.