What they like

Wind in its feathers: prefers living on the coast. Likes seafood: shellfish and small fish, often follows fishing boats. But will also take eggs and chicks of other birds. Breeds in the dunes and sometimes on flat roofs.

Ecological importance

A clean-up specialist. Eats fish, crabs, shellfish, insects, worms and also carcasses. This helps return food to the cycle. Eggs and chicks are taken by, among others, foxes and large gulls—so colonies need calm and space.

When in the Netherlands

Mostly in summer. Most birds migrate south in winter.

Status

Breeding bird and passage migrant. Common, but breeding success varies greatly by area.