Gulls & Terns in Manchester

10 species matching this filter.

All birds in ManchesterView family page

Manchester's varied waterways, reservoirs, and urban landscapes support a surprising diversity of gulls and terns, with 10 species recorded across the county. From the ubiquitous Lesser Black-backed Gull and European Herring Gull thriving in urban environments to passage migrants such as Arctic Tern and Black Tern passing through during spring and autumn, the region offers rewarding watching opportunities. Notable sites include the reservoirs of the West Pennine Moors and the Manchester Ship Canal corridor, which attract both common and scarcer species like Iceland Gull and Yellow-legged Gull.

Black Tern
Black TernSmallest · 22cm
to
Great Black-backed Gull
Great Black-backed GullLargest · 79cm
Ranges from the Black Tern (22cm) to the Great Black-backed Gull (79cm)4 year-round residents
Arctic Tern

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaeaLC

A rare spring passage migrant passing through in April and May. Occasionally seen at reservoirs en route to northern breeding grounds.

Apr–May

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

Black Tern

Chlidonias nigerLC

A rare passage migrant in spring and autumn, sometimes spotted hawking insects over reservoirs and lodges across Greater Manchester.

Apr–Sep

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

Common Gull

Larus canusLC

Present most of the year on playing fields, reservoirs, and car parks, often mixed in with other gull flocks.

Jul–May

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundoLC

An uncommon breeding visitor from April to August, nesting on rafts and islands at sites like Pennington Flash and Elton Reservoir.

Apr–Aug

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

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatusLC

A common resident, nesting on rooftops and loafing at tips, reservoirs, and supermarket car parks year-round.

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 but year-round resident, often seen loafing at reservoirs and tips. The largest gull in the region, dwarfing nearby Herring Gulls.

Year-round

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

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoidesLC

A rare winter visitor, occasionally turning up in January among gull roosts at local reservoirs. A prized find for Manchester birders.

Jan

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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscusLC

A common resident nesting on rooftops across the city. Large numbers gather at reservoirs and landfill sites throughout the year.

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 spring passage migrant, occasionally noted at reservoirs in April. Its buoyant, tern-like flight makes it distinctive among local gulls.

Apr

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

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

A rare visitor, occasionally breeding locally. Look for yellow legs among the commoner gull flocks at reservoirs and landfill sites.

Nov–Jan

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gulls & Terns in Manchester | Birdfact