What they like

Space to scout and be clever. Field, meadow, park, dune, village: all fine. He likes a high lookout spot: tree, pole, roof edge. Make it easy for them with messy corners: brush pile, wood stack, rough verge. Leave trees and tall shrubs alone in spring; there may be a nest.

Ecological importance

Cleaner and hunter. Eats insects, earthworms, mice, young rats and also carrion. During the breeding season they sometimes takes eggs or chicks of other birds; that's part of the system. He themself is on the menu for Goshawk and Eagle Owl. Less strict management = more natural balance.

When in the Netherlands

All year round. Breeding mainly from March through June.

Status

Common breeding bird. Nationwide stable to slightly variable.