Habitat: Extensive marshes, large reed beds, along ditches and on flooded meadows.

Appearance: One of the most widespread birds in the world, scarce breeding bird in Belgium and the Netherlands – year bird – winter visitor in fairly small numbers.

Breeding season: April – August, colonies in reeds, 3 – 5 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 85 – 100 cm, wingspan 140 – 170 cm, weight 700 – 1500 grams, age 22 years.

Food: Fish, amphibians, small land animals.