Habitat: Along the banks of lakes, rivers, canals and reservoirs. Open moorland with pools. Wetlands in winter.

Appearance: Summer visitor in northern Europe, scarce in western and southern Europe. In Belgium and the Netherlands, annual visitor, passing through in small numbers, winter visitor in extremely small numbers.

Breeding season: May to July, ground nest, 4 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 30 to 35 cm, wingspan 68 to 70 cm, weight 140 to 270 grams, lifespan 12 years.

Food: Small animals.