What they like

Open spots with short vegetation and clear sight. Think: bare arable fields, grassland, dikes, beaches, shell banks. In towns it also uses flat roofs. Help it by not mowing every bit of grass tightly, but do keep some areas short. Create a mosaic. In agricultural areas: leave stubble, allow herb-rich margins and keep wet ditches and ditch banks open.

Ecological importance

Top predator of soil life. Takes earthworms, insect larvae and beetles inland. On the coast mainly shellfish. Chicks feed on small insects: so flower- and herb-rich spots are gold. Predators like foxes and large gulls take eggs and chicks; cover and a clear view across the landscape help.

When in the Netherlands

All year round. Many breed here (spring/summer), and in winter there are also many along the coast and inland.

Status

A breeding bird that is declining in the Netherlands. Fewer safe breeding sites, drier soils and less food are pushing it out.