Gulls & Terns in Hampshire

13 species matching this filter.

All birds in HampshireView family page

Hampshire's diverse coastline, estuaries, and inland waterways provide excellent habitat for 13 species of gulls and terns. The Solent, Southampton Water, and the harbours of Langstone and Chichester are particularly important for species such as the Little Tern, Kittiwake, and European Herring Gull. Scarcer visitors like the Black Tern and Iceland Gull add excitement for birdwatchers throughout the year.

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)5 year-round residents
Black Tern

Black Tern

Chlidonias nigerLC

A rare passage migrant in May and August–September, dipping gracefully over freshwater lakes and coastal pools to pick insects.

May–Sep

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

Common Gull

Larus canusLC

Present year-round but most numerous in winter on playing fields, reservoirs and coastal areas. Less common than Herring or Black-headed Gulls.

Year-round

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundoLC

An uncommon summer breeder from April to October, nesting on shingle islands and rafts at coastal and inland sites.

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 sight year-round at harbours, landfill sites and urban rooftops. Numbers bolstered in winter by continental arrivals.

Year-round

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

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinusLC

A bulky, imposing gull found year-round along the Solent coast and harbours. Often dominates other gulls 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 passage visitor, occasionally recorded in February among winter gull flocks at reservoirs and along the coast.

Feb

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

Kittiwake

Rissa tridactylaVU

A rare passage visitor off the Hampshire coast, occasionally seen in November during stormy weather that pushes this pelagic gull closer to shore.

Nov

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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscusLC

An uncommon year-round resident, often seen at landfill sites, playing fields, and coastal roosts. Numbers increase 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 passage visitor, most likely in spring and late autumn. Occasionally seen at coastal lagoons and harbours along the Solent.

Nov–May

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

Little Tern

Sternula albifronsLC

A scarce summer breeder on shingle beaches along the Hampshire coast, notably at Hurst Spit. Vulnerable to disturbance and habitat loss.

Apr–Sep

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

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougalliiLC

A rare breeding visitor from May to July, favouring shingle and coastal sites. One of Britain's scarcest breeding seabirds.

May–Jul

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

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensisLC

Present year-round along the Solent and harbours, with numbers peaking in spring and late summer. Often seen plunge-diving for fish.

Year-round

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

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

A rare non-breeding visitor, most often seen from late summer through winter among mixed gull flocks at tips and coastal roosts.

Jul–Mar

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

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