Colonial breeder which occupies various well-vegetated fresh-water wetlands – marshes, lakes, deltas, slow-flowing river systems. In winter, it can be seen on brackish or salt water as well (Nelson 2005).
It occurs discontinuously from SE Europe and Asia Minor E to C Asia (Tajikistan), N part of Middle East. Romania holds the bulk of European breeding population. Partially migratory; some populations undertake short-distance movements, others are resident. N populations winter in S part of the range (Orta et al. 2020).
Its population trend in Europe is increasing. Evaluated as “Least Concern” (BirdLife International 2021).