Gulls & Terns in North Yorkshire

15 species matching this filter.

All birds in North YorkshireView family page

North Yorkshire's dramatic coastline, from the towering cliffs of Bempton and Whitby to the estuaries of the Tees and Humber, provides outstanding habitat for 15 species of gulls and terns. The region is particularly notable for its breeding Kittiwake colonies on coastal cliffs, while Arctic Terns and Common Terns grace the shores during the summer months. Scarcer visitors such as Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull add excitement during the winter, drawing birdwatchers to harbours and fishing ports along the coast.

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, nesting at a few coastal colonies. Also seen on passage off Flamborough and Filey from May to October.

May–Oct

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

Black Tern

Chlidonias nigerLC

A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally appearing at inland reservoirs and coastal pools in August–September, dipping elegantly for insects.

Aug–Sep

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

Common Gull

Larus canusLC

A common year-round resident found on farmland, reservoirs, and the coast. Often nests on moorland edges in the Dales and North York Moors.

Year-round

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundoLC

An uncommon summer breeder, nesting at gravel pits and reservoirs from April. Often seen plunge-diving along the coast on passage.

Apr–Oct

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

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatusLC

A common and conspicuous resident, breeding on sea cliffs at Flamborough and Whitby and frequenting towns, harbours, and tips year-round.

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 spotted among gull flocks at harbours and coastal roosts 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

Present year-round along the coast, this powerful gull frequents harbours, cliffs and estuaries, often dominating smaller species.

Year-round

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

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoidesLC

A rare late-winter visitor, typically found among large gull gatherings at harbours or landfill sites. Most records fall in February.

Feb

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

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Kittiwake

Kittiwake

Rissa tridactylaVU

Nests in large colonies on coastal cliffs, notably at Bempton. Numbers are declining sharply due to food shortages, making it a conservation priority.

Year-round

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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscusLC

An uncommon year-round resident, often seen at reservoirs, tips, and farmland. Smaller and darker-backed than the Herring Gull.

Year-round

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

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutusLC

A rare and dainty gull, occasionally seen offshore or at coastal pools, most likely during autumn passage and winter storms.

Jun–Feb

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

Little Tern

Sternula albifronsLC

Scarce summer breeder on shingle beaches along the coast, present from May to August. A Schedule 1 protected species vulnerable to disturbance.

May–Aug

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

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougalliiLC

A rare passage visitor along the coast from July to September. One of Britain's scarcest breeding terns, occasionally spotted offshore.

Jul–Sep

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

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensisLC

An uncommon summer breeder, nesting at coastal colonies and fishing offshore. Present from April to October along the coast.

Apr–Oct

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

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

A rare passage visitor in late summer, occasionally noted among large gull flocks at the coast or reservoirs in August and September.

Aug–Sep

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

Frequently Asked Questions