Gulls & Terns in Oxfordshire
9 species matching this filter.
Oxfordshire may be a landlocked county, but its reservoirs, gravel pits and river valleys attract a surprising variety of gulls and terns throughout the year. Nine species have been recorded, ranging from familiar residents such as the Lesser Black-backed Gull and European Herring Gull to scarcer visitors like the Little Gull and Arctic Tern, which pass through on migration. Key sites including Farmoor Reservoir and the gravel pits of the upper Thames valley offer excellent opportunities to observe these birds.
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
A rare passage migrant, occasionally dropping in at gravel pits and reservoirs during spring and autumn migration.
Apr–Sep
Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A rare passage migrant, occasionally seen dipping gracefully over Farmoor Reservoir or gravel pits in May and early autumn.
May–Sep
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
An uncommon visitor to reservoirs and farmland, most often seen in winter flocks. Largely absent during May and June.
Jul–Apr
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon summer breeder, nesting on raft platforms at gravel pits and reservoirs from April to September, with Farmoor a key local site.
Apr–Sep
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatusLC
A common year-round resident, gathering in large roosts at Farmoor Reservoir and frequenting urban areas, landfill sites, and playing fields.
Year-round
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
Present year-round but uncommon, frequenting reservoir roosts and landfill sites. Numbers peak in winter at gatherings like those at Farmoor.
Year-round
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
A common gull across the county year-round, frequenting reservoirs, farmland and landfill sites. Numbers peak during passage and winter months.
Year-round
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally spotted over Farmoor Reservoir in March and April among flocks of commoner gulls.
Mar–Apr
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare visitor in late winter, sometimes picked out among large gull roosts at Farmoor Reservoir or landfill sites.
Year-round