Gulls & Terns in Cheshire

10 species matching this filter.

All birds in CheshireView family page

Cheshire's diverse waterways, estuaries, and inland meres provide excellent habitat for a variety of gulls and terns throughout the year. With 10 recorded species in this group, the county offers sightings ranging from common residents like the European Herring Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull to scarcer visitors such as the Iceland Gull and Black Tern. The Dee Estuary and Cheshire's many reservoirs are particularly rewarding spots for observing passage terns and wintering gull flocks.

Black Tern
Black TernSmallest · 22cm
to
Great Black-backed Gull
Great Black-backed GullLargest · 79cm
Ranges from the Black Tern (22cm) to the Great Black-backed Gull (79cm)5 year-round residents
Arctic Tern

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaeaLC

A rare spring passage visitor, briefly passing through in April on its way to Arctic breeding grounds. Most likely at coastal sites along the Dee or Mersey.

Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Black Tern

Black Tern

Chlidonias nigerLC

A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally seen hawking over meres and reservoirs in September. Its dark plumage and buoyant flight are distinctive.

Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Common Gull

Common Gull

Larus canusLC

An uncommon resident found on farmland, playing fields, and reservoirs throughout the year. Often mixes with larger gull flocks at winter roost sites.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Common Tern

Common Tern

Sterna hirundoLC

An uncommon breeding visitor arriving in April, nesting on rafts and islands at meres and reservoirs. Departs by late August after raising young.

Apr–Aug

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
European Herring Gull

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatusLC

A common year-round resident seen along the coast, at landfill sites, and increasingly in urban areas. Breeds on rooftops in Cheshire's towns.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Great Black-backed Gull

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinusLC

An uncommon but imposing resident, mainly seen along the coast and at larger reservoirs. The largest British gull, often dominating other species at feeding sites.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Iceland Gull

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoidesLC

A rare winter visitor, occasionally turning up in February among gull flocks at reservoirs or along the coast. Identified by its pale wingtips and gentle expression.

Feb

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Lesser Black-backed Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscusLC

A common resident found across the county at reservoirs, farmland, and urban areas. Breeds locally and gathers in large roosts during winter months.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Spotted something?

Upload a photo to identify it

Identify
Little Gull

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutusLC

A rare passage visitor, occasionally spotted at reservoirs and meres during spring migration. Most likely in March and April among flocks of Black-headed Gulls.

Mar–Jun

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Yellow-legged Gull

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

A rare visitor found near reservoirs and the Dee Estuary, present most months but easily overlooked among commoner large gulls.

Jun–Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Frequently Asked Questions