SEAGULLS – With its long North Sea coastline, it is no surprise that the seagull (Dutch: kokmeeuw), or to be more specific, the European Herring Gull, is one of the most common bird species found in the Netherlands. With an average wingspan of 125-145 cm (4-5 ft), they can fly at high altitudes, giving them clear view of prey and other potential food sources. Their pointed yellow beaks allow them to rip into cardboard and plastic bags, creating a nuisance in residential areas, especially on trash collection days. There are an estimated 45,000-50,000 seagulls in the Netherlands.

PIGEONS – The Rock Pigeon (Dutch: stadsduif) is part of the Columbidae family of birds (which also includes Doves). While ancestors of today’s birds were once used to deliver messages due to their innate homing skills, nowadays most people view them as an annoyance due to their large numbers, unabashed infringement on outdoor dining and the excrement they leave everywhere.

DUCKS – The Netherlands’ numerous freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, streams and canals are the perfect breeding grounds for the duck (Dutch: eend). The most common of these being the Mallard Duck. Males have colorful green heads, yellow beaks and bright orange webbed feet while females are mostly light brown. In late spring/ early summer, ducklings are often seen swimming behind their mother.

CROWS – The Eurasian Jackdaw is a black feathered bird from the corvidae group and one of the smallest in the crow family at 39 cm (15 in). They can be identified by the gray bristles running from the top of the head to the back of the neck as well as their eyes which stand out against their black face due to the light grey irises. Jackdaws nest in trees.

GEESE – Lots of geese live year-round in Holland, while others stop temporarily during their migration cycle. The most commonly seen type from this family of waterbirds is the Egyptian Goose. Males and females have no major distinguishing marks although males tend to be slightly larger. Most geese, including the Egyptian, are extremely territorial and will aggressively chase away smaller birds and ducks both on land and in the air. Other breeds common to the Netherlands are the Canada Goose and the Emden Goose.

PARAKEETS – Most people are surprised the first time they see a flock of loud green birds flying overhead, usually just before dusk. The Rose-Ringed Parakeet is not native to the Netherlands, but has survived and even thrived over the past several decades. In 2010, the population of the Rose-Ringed Parakeet in the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht was estimated at 10,000, approximately twice the size of the 2004 estimate. Aside from the major cities listed above, Rose-Ringed Parakeet colonies have also formed in Leiden, Alphen aan den Rijn and Katwijk.

MOORHENS & COOTS – These waterbirds can be spotted among the reeds growing near canals and streams in the Netherlands. Unlike their larger neighbors (ducks and geese) that have rounded bills, Moorhens (Dutch: waterhoen) and Coots (Dutch: meerkoet) have sharp pointed beaks. Moorhens have red or orange beaks, Coots have white beaks. They nest in reeds along canals and are extremely territorial.

STORKS – These water birds are hard to miss seeing as they stand over a meter in height and have a wingspan up to 215 cm (7 ft). They have white feathers, a long red beak and matching red legs. They nest in tall trees, power line towers and on rooftops. The White Stork is the official bird of the City of The Hague and is featured prominently in the city’s Cote of Arms.

HERONS & EGRETS – These large freshwater birds catch their prey (usually small fish) by standing very still either along the water’s edge or in the water itself before pouncing on small fish or insects that pass by. The Grey Heron (Dutch: Blauwe Reiger), Purple Heron and Great Egret all average 1 meter in height and can have a wingspan up to 195 cm (over 7 feet). It can be amusing to watch them remain so still as you get the impression they think you haven’t seen them.

SWANS – The regal and majestic Mute Swan is a common sight in the Netherlands. Although the sheer numbers may not be as high as some other waterbirds, Mute Swan sightings occur on a regular basis and are not out of the ordinary. They favor inland lakes, ponds and canals and in South Holland can frequently be spotted on the Hofvijver in The Hague, along the Vliet in Voorburg and Leidschendam and on Kralingse Plas in Rotterdam.