What they like

Rough vegetation and seeds. Lots of seeds. Leave thistles, nettles and dandelions standing until they've finished flowering and dropped their seeds. No pesticides, but wild corners. Got birches or alders nearby? Bonus points. In gardens or yards: scatter small seeds in winter such as sunflower and nyjer. In farming areas: give field margins space and let herbs self-seed. The more winter food, the greater the chance of a chattering flock.

Ecological importance

A specialist in small seeds from birch, alder and herbs. In the breeding season it also takes insects and spiders for extra protein. It disperses seeds and is itself prey for sparrowhawk and merlin. Shows how important a seed-rich landscape is, especially in winter.

When in the Netherlands

Irregular winter visitor (Oct–Mar). One year scarce, the next suddenly in large groups. Does not breed in the Netherlands.

Status

Not a breeding bird and not on the Dutch Red List. Numbers vary greatly from year to year, depending on food availability in Northern Europe. Do you see it? Then you've got a good winter buffet ready.