Gulls & Terns in Essex

12 species matching this filter.

All birds in EssexView family page

Essex's extensive coastline, estuaries, and tidal mudflats make it one of the finest counties in south-east England for observing gulls and terns. With 12 recorded species in this group, birders can enjoy everything from the ubiquitous European Herring Gull to scarcer visitors such as the Arctic Tern and the delicate Little Tern. Key sites along the Thames Estuary, the Blackwater Estuary, and the coast around Hamford Water provide excellent year-round opportunities to watch these charismatic seabirds.

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)6 year-round residents
Arctic Tern

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaeaLC

A rare passage visitor along the Essex coast, mainly seen during spring and autumn migration at sites like The Naze and Foulness.

Apr–Oct

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

Black Tern

Chlidonias nigerLC

A scarce passage migrant, occasionally seen dipping over reservoirs and gravel pits, mainly in late summer and early autumn.

May–Sep

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

Common Gull

Larus canusLC

Common year-round, frequenting playing fields, reservoirs, and farmland, with numbers boosted by winter visitors.

Year-round

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundoLC

A common breeding summer visitor, nesting on rafts and islands at reservoirs and along the Thames estuary from April to October.

Apr–Oct

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

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatusLC

A common and familiar resident found along the coast, at tips, and increasingly in urban areas year-round.

Year-round

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

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinusLC

Resident year-round along the Essex coast, frequenting estuaries, harbours, and landfill sites. Numbers peak in winter.

Year-round

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

Kittiwake

Rissa tridactylaVU

A rare non-breeding visitor seen offshore and at estuaries, mainly in winter months and during autumn storms.

Aug–Mar

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 gull found year-round at landfill sites, reservoirs, and along the coast, with numbers peaking in summer.

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 breeder in Essex, also seen on passage in spring and autumn. Its delicate, buoyant flight is distinctive over coastal lagoons.

Mar–Nov

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

Little Tern

Sternula albifronsLC

A rare and declining summer breeder, nesting on shingle beaches along the Essex coast. A conservation priority species.

May–Sep

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

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensisLC

An uncommon breeding visitor to the Essex coast, present from May to October. Fishes offshore and nests at key colonies along the estuary.

May–Oct

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

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

An uncommon but increasing presence, found at reservoirs, tips, and estuaries across Essex for most of the year. Often mixed with other gulls.

May–Mar

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

Frequently Asked Questions