What they like

Water with a view. Park ponds, pools, ditches, rivers. Short turf to graze on and a little island, jetty or roof edge to nest on. You mainly help them by keeping the banks a bit messy: leave reeds, cattails and undergrowth. In farmland: leave ditch edges wide and unmown, with herbs like comfrey and cow parsley. Also regularly breeds in trees (e.g. in old raptor nests).

Ecological importance

Feeds mainly on grass, shoots, herbs and seeds; during moult also likes young water plants. Is prey for foxes and large birds of prey (especially chicks and eggs). Can push others away with its fierce territorial drive. More rough banks and extra nesting spots spread the pressure: less fuss at a single hotspot.

When in the Netherlands

All year round. Breeds early, often from February. In summer large stands of rough vegetation by the water.

Status

A striking exotic. Common and locally sometimes really numerous.