Gulls & Terns in Northumberland

14 species matching this filter.

All birds in NorthumberlandView family page

Northumberland's dramatic coastline, offshore islands, and estuaries provide outstanding habitat for 14 species of gulls and terns. The Farne Islands are internationally renowned for their breeding colonies of Arctic Terns and Kittiwakes, while the county's harbours and rocky shores attract species ranging from the massive Great Black-backed Gull to the delicate Little Gull. Scarcer visitors such as the Glaucous Gull and Black Tern add excitement for birdwatchers throughout the year.

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)7 year-round residents
Arctic Tern

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaeaLC

Breeds on the Farne Islands and at Coquet Island in notable colonies. Present from April to October before migrating to Antarctic waters.

Apr–Oct

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

Black Tern

Chlidonias nigerLC

A rare breeding-season visitor, occasionally seen hawking insects over inland lakes and coastal pools from May to September.

May–Sep

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

Common Gull

Larus canusLC

A common resident found year-round on farmland, coasts, and playing fields. Often seen alongside other gulls at harbours and tips.

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 on coastal islands and inland gravel pits, plunge-diving for fish from April to October.

Apr–Oct

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

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatusLC

Abundant year-round along the coast and in towns. Breeds on rooftops and cliffs, and scavenges readily at harbours and landfill sites.

Year-round

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

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreusLC

A rare Arctic visitor appearing in January and February, typically among flocks of larger gulls at harbours and coastal roosts.

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 common and imposing resident along the Northumberland coast and at harbours, also frequenting inland reservoirs and rubbish tips year-round.

Year-round

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

Kittiwake

Rissa tridactylaVU

Breeds in noisy cliff colonies on the Farnes and at Dunstanburgh, though numbers are declining sharply across the region.

Year-round

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

Spotted something?

Upload a photo to identify it

Identify
Lesser Black-backed Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscusLC

Present year-round but uncommon, seen along the coast and at inland tips. Less numerous here than Herring or Black-headed Gulls.

Year-round

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

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutusLC

A rare but regular small gull seen along the coast and at reservoirs from spring through autumn. Dainty flight and dark underwings are distinctive.

Feb–Nov

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

Little Tern

Sternula albifronsLC

Breeds on shingle beaches along the coast, notably at Long Nanny. A declining species needing protected nesting sites.

May–Aug

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

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougalliiLC

An uncommon breeder on the Farne Islands and Coquet Island from May to September. One of the UK's rarest breeding seabirds.

May–Sep

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

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensisLC

A common summer breeder with important colonies on the Farne Islands. Plunge-dives for fish along the coast from April to October.

Apr–Oct

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

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

An uncommon but increasingly regular gull found along the coast and at reservoirs, present in most months. Requires careful identification.

Jun–Apr

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

Frequently Asked Questions