What they like

Open water and open space. Quay, beach, pond, polder. And a high spot to chill: roof, lamppost, pole in the countryside. He’s fond of easy food: fish, worms, insects, shellfish, eggs and chicks of other birds, fries, bread crusts and anything we leave lying around.

Ecological importance

Scavenger with sharp eyes. He clears away carrion, picks up crane fly larvae and beetles and so keeps nutrient cycles moving. Chicks and eggs are snacks for foxes, crows and large gull species: that’s part of the system too.

When in the Netherlands

All year round. In winter often extra busy with visitors from the north.

Status

Common, but declined; as a breeding bird more vulnerable than you might think. Usually breeds in colonies in coastal areas and the delta, sometimes on flat roofs in towns or on industrial sites.

Tips
Keep beaches and banks litter-free: remove trash, tidy away fishing line. That reduces entanglement and plastic in stomachs.
Don’t feed bread. Opt for "do not feed": then he’ll go looking for real food again.
In agricultural areas: keep ditch edges herb-rich and mow in phases. More soil life = more food.