Gulls & Terns in Cumbria

12 species matching this filter.

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Cumbria's diverse coastline, estuaries, and inland lakes provide excellent habitat for 12 species of gulls and terns. The county's Solway Firth and Morecambe Bay attract notable species such as Kittiwake, Little Tern, and Arctic Tern during the breeding season, while Great Black-backed Gulls and European Herring Gulls can be observed year-round along the rugged western coast. Inland waters, including those of the Lake District, also support populations of Common Gull and occasionally scarcer visitors like Black Tern and Little Gull on passage.

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)4 year-round residents
Arctic Tern

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaeaLC

A rare summer breeder from May to July, nesting at a few coastal and island sites. Elegant in flight with deeply forked tail.

May–Jul

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 in September at coastal pools and inland lakes during southward migration.

Sep

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

Common Gull

Larus canusLC

An uncommon year-round resident found on farmland, lakes, and coasts. Breeds on upland bogs and lake islands in the county.

Year-round

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundoLC

A rare breeding visitor from May to August, found at gravel pits, lakes, and coastal sites. Plunge-dives for fish in shallow waters.

May–Aug

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

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatusLC

A common resident seen year-round along the coast, in towns, and at landfill sites. Breeds on rooftops and coastal cliffs.

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 found along the coast and at estuaries year-round. The largest British gull species.

Year-round

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

Kittiwake

Rissa tridactylaVU

Breeds in small numbers at St Bees Head cliffs from spring through autumn. This declining seabird is a prized sight along Cumbria's coast.

Mar–Nov

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 at coastal sites, reservoirs, and urban areas throughout the year. Breeds in colonies on rooftops and islands.

Year-round

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

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Little Gull

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutusLC

A rare passage visitor in May, occasionally spotted at coastal estuaries and inland lakes during spring migration.

May

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

Little Tern

Sternula albifronsLC

A rare summer breeder from May to August, nesting on shingle beaches along the coast. A declining species needing undisturbed nesting sites.

May–Aug

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

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensisLC

A rare breeder present March to September along the coast. The largest of Cumbria's breeding terns, often seen at Hodbarrow and estuaries.

Mar–Sep

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

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

A rare passage visitor noted in late summer and autumn, typically among mixed gull flocks at coastal roosts and estuaries.

Jul–Oct

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gulls & Terns in Cumbria | Birdfact