STATUS Migrant and summer visitor, with some breeding pairs and vagrants.
ABUNDANCE Scarce as migrant, rare and local as breeder (c. 15 pairs).
HABITAT On migration seen on reservoirs, rivers and streams. Breeds in patches of wetland vegetation (in Sierra Morena, reedmace beds).
SEASONAL BEHAVIOUR Seen from late March to September, most often on passage.
DISTRIBUTION Although always scarce, seen regularly on passage throughout the whole territory. The River Guadalquivir colony at El Salto accounts for the bulk of the population, though it also breeds – at least occasionally – on the same river at Marmolejo Reservoir and at the small Zocueca Reservoir. Its breeding cannot be ruled out in other spots (like Minas de Cala Reservoir).