- Life expectancy
- Clutch size
- Usually 2 eggs
- Global status
Identification
Very broad, almost plank-like wings, a massive bill and a short wedge-shaped tail are good field marks. The white tail and pale head of adults only develop over several years.
Colours
Adult
Pale brown head, yellow bill and white tail in adult plumage. Females are similarly coloured but usually larger and heavier.
Behaviour
Adult pairs usually stay in their breeding territory. Their high-pitched call series are heard especially during courtship, often as a duet. After becoming independent, young birds roam much more widely.
Breeding & rearing
The pair may already work on the nest in autumn. In Central Europe egg-laying often begins towards the end of winter. The young stay in the nest for about three months and are still accompanied by their parents after fledging.
