Gulls & Terns in Lancashire
11 species matching this filter.
Lancashire's extensive coastline, estuaries, and wetlands provide outstanding habitat for gulls and terns, with 11 species recorded across the county. Morecambe Bay and the Ribble Estuary are particularly important sites, attracting large numbers of European Herring Gulls, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and Great Black-backed Gulls year-round, while elegant terns such as the Arctic Tern, Sandwich Tern, and Common Tern grace the coast during the breeding season. Scarcer visitors like the Black Tern and Little Gull add excitement for birdwatchers, especially during spring and autumn passage.
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
A rare breeding visitor from April to August, nesting at a few coastal sites. Best looked for along the Ribble Estuary.
Apr–Aug
Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A rare passage migrant, occasionally spotted over reservoirs and wetlands in May and September during migration.
May–Sep
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
Present year-round but most numerous in winter, frequenting playing fields, reservoirs, and the coast alongside other gull species.
Year-round
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon breeding visitor from April to September, nesting on rafts and islands at sites like Brockholes and along the Ribble.
Apr–Sep
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatusLC
A common and conspicuous resident along the coast, in towns, and at landfill sites. Numbers have declined but it remains widespread.
Year-round
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
Present year-round along the coast and at larger inland water bodies. Numbers increase in winter, often loafing on estuarine mudflats.
Year-round
Kittiwake
Rissa tridactylaVU
A rare breeding visitor, seen offshore and at coastal sites from spring to autumn. Numbers are declining sharply across the UK.
Apr–Oct
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
A common year-round resident, frequently seen at landfill sites, coastal areas, and urban centres across Lancashire.
Year-round
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Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
A rare and dainty passage migrant in May, occasionally spotted over coastal waters and estuaries during spring migration.
May
Sandwich Tern
Thalasseus sandvicensisLC
A rare breeder present April to September, favouring sandy and shingle coastlines. Often seen plunge-diving offshore.
Apr–Sep
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare but year-round visitor, most often picked out among large gull flocks at landfill sites, reservoirs, and along the Ribble Estuary.
Year-round