Gulls & Terns in Isle of Wight
11 species matching this filter.
The Isle of Wight's diverse coastline, estuaries, and sheltered harbours provide excellent habitat for a variety of gulls and terns throughout the year. With 11 recorded species in this family, the island hosts everything from the ubiquitous European Herring Gull on its clifftops to elegant summer visitors such as the Sandwich Tern and the increasingly scarce Little Tern. The island's position in the Solent makes it a valuable staging post for migratory species like the Arctic Tern, which passes through on its remarkable pole-to-pole journey.
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
A rare passage migrant glimpsed briefly in May as birds head north to Arctic breeding grounds.
May
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
An uncommon resident found along the island's coasts and estuaries, present most of the year but scarce during June.
Jul–May
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon summer breeder, plunge-diving for fish in harbours and along the coast from spring through autumn before migrating south.
Mar–Oct
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatusLC
A common and conspicuous resident found around harbours, cliffs and towns across the island throughout the year.
Year-round
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
The largest resident gull, a powerful predator found year-round along the island's coastline and at harbours. Breeds on cliffs and rooftops.
Year-round
Kittiwake
Rissa tridactylaVU
Breeds in small numbers on the island's chalk cliffs at Freshwater. Numbers have declined sharply in recent years.
Aug–Jun
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
An uncommon year-round resident, often seen on the island's beaches, harbours, and farmland throughout all seasons.
Year-round
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
A rare passage migrant, occasionally spotted from coastal vantage points in March and November among flocks of other gulls and terns.
Nov–Mar
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Little Tern
Sternula albifronsLC
A rare passage visitor in May, occasionally seen fishing over shallow coastal waters and shingle beaches around the island.
May
Sandwich Tern
Thalasseus sandvicensisLC
An uncommon resident seen plunge-diving in the Solent and off island beaches, present year-round.
Year-round
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally spotted among other gulls at coastal sites during April and August.
Year-round