Gulls & Terns in Leicestershire
10 species matching this filter.
Leicestershire may be a landlocked county, but its reservoirs, gravel pits and urban centres attract a surprising variety of gulls and terns throughout the year. Ten species have been recorded, ranging from familiar residents such as the Lesser Black-backed Gull and European Herring Gull to scarcer visitors like the Glaucous Gull and Little Gull. Key sites including Rutland Water's fringes, Eyebrook Reservoir and Watermead Country Park provide excellent opportunities to observe passage terns such as the Arctic Tern and Black Tern during migration seasons.
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally dropping in at reservoirs and gravel pits during April and May en route to Arctic breeding grounds.
Apr–May
Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A rare late-summer passage migrant, dipping gracefully over reservoir surfaces in August and September. Most records come from larger water bodies.
Aug–Sep
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
An uncommon resident found on reservoirs, playing fields and farmland. Numbers increase in winter when Continental birds supplement the local population.
Jul–May
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon breeding visitor from April to September, nesting on rafts and islands at reservoirs. Plunge-dives for fish in open water.
Apr–Sep
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatusLC
An uncommon but year-round resident, increasingly seen on urban rooftops as well as at reservoirs and landfill sites across the county.
Year-round
Glaucous Gull
Larus hyperboreusLC
A rare midwinter visitor from the Arctic, occasionally turning up among gull flocks at reservoirs and tips. A prized find for county birders.
Jan
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
Present year-round but rarely encountered, occasionally seen at reservoirs and landfill sites. The largest British gull, dwarfing commoner species.
Year-round
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
A common year-round resident, often seen at reservoirs, landfill sites, and playing fields across the county.
Year-round
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Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
A rare spring passage visitor, occasionally seen over reservoirs in April. Its buoyant, tern-like flight distinguishes it from other gulls.
Apr
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, most often found at landfill sites and reservoirs from late summer into winter.
Jul–Jan