Habitat: Cliffs, islands, roofs of buildings along the coast. Also marshes inland and dunes. Winters mainly along the coast, inland on rubbish dumps and drinking water reservoirs. Adapts everywhere and is increasing in numbers.

Appearance: Resident bird in Portugal, Spain and the rest of the Mediterranean region. In Belgium and the Netherlands, extremely rare breeding bird – year bird – migrant and winter visitor in very small numbers.

Breeding season: April – August, colonies near water, 1 – 3 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 52 – 58 cm, wingspan 120 – 145 cm, weight 750 – 1250 grams, age 19 years.

Food: Versatile, vertebrates and waste.