Gulls & Terns in Durham
12 species matching this filter.
Durham's coastline and inland waterways support a diverse range of gulls and terns, with 12 species recorded across the county. The dramatic cliffs and beaches along the Durham Heritage Coast provide vital breeding habitat for species such as Kittiwake and Little Tern, while Arctic Terns and Roseate Terns can be observed during their remarkable seasonal migrations. Inland reservoirs and estuarine mudflats also attract species like Common Gull and Little Gull, particularly outside the breeding season.
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
A rare passage migrant from July to September, seen offshore during autumn seawatches. Breeds further north on the Farne Islands.
Jul–Sep
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
Present year-round on farmland, playing fields, and reservoirs. More numerous in winter when northern birds boost local numbers.
Year-round
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon breeding visitor from May to October, found at coastal sites and occasionally inland reservoirs across Durham.
May–Oct
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatusLC
A common resident found year-round along the coast, at tips, and in urban areas. Noisy and conspicuous across Durham's towns.
Year-round
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
An uncommon but imposing resident, seen year-round along the coast and at reservoirs. The largest gull in the region.
Year-round
Kittiwake
Rissa tridactylaVU
Breeds in small numbers on Durham's coastal cliffs from spring through autumn. This declining species is increasingly scarce across the UK.
Mar–Nov
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
Uncommon year-round resident, more numerous in summer. Frequents the coast, landfill sites, and inland water bodies.
Year-round
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
A rare passage migrant in September, occasionally spotted at coastal pools or offshore. Its dainty, buoyant flight is distinctive.
Sep
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Little Tern
Sternula albifronsLC
A rare summer breeder from May to August, nesting on shingle beaches along the Durham coast. Vulnerable to disturbance and declining.
May–Aug
Roseate Tern
Sterna dougalliiLC
A rare passage migrant in August and September. One of the UK's rarest breeding terns, occasionally seen off the Durham coast.
Aug–Sep
Sandwich Tern
Thalasseus sandvicensisLC
An uncommon breeder present from May to October. Plunge-dives for fish along the Durham coastline, often in noisy groups.
May–Oct
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, mainly in winter and late summer. Look carefully through flocks of Herring Gulls at the coast or tips.
Aug–Feb