Gulls & Terns in Lincolnshire

12 species matching this filter.

All birds in LincolnshireView family page

Lincolnshire's extensive coastline, estuaries, and inland waterways make it an outstanding county for observing gulls and terns, with 12 species recorded in the region. The Wash and the Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve are particularly important habitats, attracting breeding Little Terns in summer and large gatherings of Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls year-round. Passage migrants such as the Arctic Tern and the scarce Black Tern add excitement during spring and autumn migration periods.

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
Arctic Tern

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaeaLC

A rare breeder, nesting at a few coastal colonies. Passes through on migration from April to October, best seen at Gibraltar Point.

Apr–Oct

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

Black Tern

Chlidonias nigerLC

Rare but elegant marsh tern seen dipping over freshwater pools during spring and autumn passage, often at inland reserves.

Apr–Sep

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

Common Gull

Larus canusLC

Common year-round on farmland, playing fields, and the coast. Numbers swell in winter with arrivals from Scandinavia and the continent.

Year-round

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundoLC

Uncommon summer breeder at gravel pits and coastal lagoons, arriving in April and departing by October after raising young.

Apr–Oct

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

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatusLC

A familiar resident along the coast and in towns. Breeds on rooftops in Grimsby and Lincoln, and gathers in large numbers at landfill sites.

Year-round

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

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinusLC

An uncommon year-round resident, most often seen along the coast and at larger inland water bodies, sometimes scavenging at tips.

Year-round

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

Kittiwake

Rissa tridactylaVU

Scarce along the coast from late summer into winter, often seen offshore at Gibraltar Point or Donna Nook during autumn passage.

Aug–Dec

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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscusLC

Common year-round, found at landfill sites, farmland, and coastal areas. Breeds locally and gathers in large roosts during winter.

Year-round

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

Spotted something?

Upload a photo to identify it

Identify
Little Gull

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutusLC

A rare breeder at select wetland sites, this dainty gull is most visible during passage in spring and autumn over inland pools.

Apr–Nov

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

Little Tern

Sternula albifronsLC

A rare summer breeder nesting on shingle beaches along the Lincolnshire coast. This vulnerable species benefits from wardened nesting sites.

May–Sep

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

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensisLC

Breeds at coastal colonies and feeds offshore from May to October. Plunge-dives for fish along the Lincolnshire shoreline.

May–Oct

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

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

A rare breeder, occasionally found among large gull flocks at reservoirs and coastal sites from late winter through autumn.

Jul–Sep

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gulls & Terns in Lincolnshire | Birdfact