Gulls & Terns in Cornwall

15 species matching this filter.

All birds in CornwallView family page

Cornwall's dramatic coastline, bustling harbours, and sheltered estuaries make it one of the finest counties in Britain for observing gulls and terns. With 15 species recorded, the region hosts everything from the ubiquitous European Herring Gull nesting on rooftops and sea cliffs to scarcer visitors such as the Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull, which occasionally appear during winter months. In summer, elegant Arctic Terns and Common Terns can be seen plunge-diving offshore, while the evocative calls of Kittiwakes echo around the county's dramatic headlands.

Little Tern
Little TernSmallest · 21cm
to
Great Black-backed Gull
Great Black-backed GullLargest · 79cm
Ranges from the Little Tern (21cm) to the Great Black-backed Gull (79cm)7 year-round residents
Arctic Tern

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaeaLC

A scarce autumn passage migrant seen offshore from August to October, best spotted during seawatches at headlands.

Aug–Oct

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

Black Tern

Chlidonias nigerLC

A rare passage visitor in late summer, sometimes seen dipping over estuaries and sheltered bays during August and September.

Aug–Sep

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

Common Gull

Larus canusLC

An uncommon resident found year-round on estuaries, farmland, and playing fields. Smaller and more delicate than the abundant Herring Gull.

Year-round

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundoLC

A rare breeding visitor arriving in spring, nesting at a few coastal sites. Often seen plunge-diving in estuaries until October.

Apr–Oct

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

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatusLC

An iconic and abundant resident of Cornish towns, harbours, and cliffs. Nests on rooftops and sea cliffs throughout the county.

Year-round

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

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreusLC

A rare late-winter visitor, usually a single bird found loafing among Herring Gulls at harbours or landfill sites.

Jan–Mar

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

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinusLC

A common and imposing resident along rocky coasts and harbours. The largest gull in Cornwall, often seen dominating other species.

Year-round

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

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoidesLC

A rare but annual winter visitor, typically found among large gull roosts at reservoirs and coastal harbours.

Nov–May

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

Spotted something?

Upload a photo to identify it

Identify
Kittiwake

Kittiwake

Rissa tridactylaVU

Breeds on Cornish sea cliffs and is present year-round, though numbers have declined sharply in recent years.

Year-round

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 breeding on rooftops and coastal cliffs. Numbers swell in summer, with birds frequenting harbours and farmland.

Year-round

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

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutusLC

A rare non-breeding visitor, occasionally spotted in harbours or among gull flocks at estuaries in autumn and winter.

Sep–Feb

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

Little Tern

Sternula albifronsLC

A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally glimpsed at sandy estuaries and beaches in September as birds head south.

Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Ring-billed Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensisLC

A rare but regular transatlantic winter visitor, typically found among gull flocks at harbours and playing fields.

Dec–Mar

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

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensisLC

An uncommon breeding visitor to Cornish coasts from March to October. Its harsh call is a familiar sound at sandy estuaries.

Mar–Oct

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

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

A scarce resident found among large gull flocks at tips and harbours, most numerous in late summer and autumn.

Jun–Apr

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

Frequently Asked Questions