Gulls & Terns in Norfolk

14 species matching this filter.

All birds in NorfolkView family page

Norfolk's extensive coastline, estuaries, and offshore waters make it one of the finest counties in Britain for observing gulls and terns. With 13 species recorded, the region hosts everything from the ubiquitous European Herring Gull to scarcer visitors such as Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull. Key sites including Blakeney Point, Scolt Head Island, and the North Norfolk coast support important breeding colonies of Common Terns and Kittiwakes, while passage migrants like Arctic Tern and Black Tern add seasonal excitement.

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)6 year-round residents
Arctic Tern

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaeaLC

A rare breeder at a few coastal colonies, arriving in spring and departing by October. Blakeney Point hosts notable numbers.

Apr–Oct

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

Black Tern

Chlidonias nigerLC

A rare passage migrant seen over coastal marshes and broads in spring and autumn, dipping gracefully to pick insects from the water's surface.

May–Sep

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

Common Gull

Larus canusLC

Common throughout the year on farmland, playing fields and coastal marshes. Winter flocks often mix with other gull species.

Year-round

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundoLC

Breeds at coastal colonies such as Blakeney Point and Scolt Head, arriving in April and departing by October.

Apr–Oct

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

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatusLC

A familiar year-round resident along the coast and in towns. Readily scavenges at harbours, landfill sites and seaside resorts.

Year-round

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

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreusLC

A rare winter visitor from the Arctic, occasionally found among gull flocks at harbours and tips in January and February.

Jan–Feb

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

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinusLC

A bulky, powerful gull present year-round along the coast and at harbours, often dominating other gulls at feeding sites.

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 appearing at coastal harbours and gull roosts in midwinter months.

Dec–Jan

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

Spotted something?

Upload a photo to identify it

Identify
Kittiwake

Kittiwake

Rissa tridactylaVU

Present year-round but scarce, often seen from shore during seawatches. UK populations have declined dramatically in recent decades.

Year-round

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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscusLC

A common year-round presence along the coast and at inland tips, often seen soaring over fields and marshes throughout Norfolk.

Year-round

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

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutusLC

A rare breeder present from spring through autumn, daintily picking insects from Norfolk's coastal lagoons and marshes.

Apr–Nov

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

Little Tern

Sternula albifronsLC

An uncommon summer breeder nesting on shingle beaches from May to September. Colonies are carefully wardened against disturbance.

May–Sep

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

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensisLC

Breeds at key colonies such as Scolt Head and Blakeney Point from April. Plunge-dives for fish in shallow coastal waters.

Apr–Oct

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

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

Rare visitor from southern Europe, appearing at coastal roosts and landfill sites from July to November.

Jul–Nov

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gulls & Terns in Norfolk | Birdfact