Gulls & Terns in South Yorkshire

9 species matching this filter.

All birds in South YorkshireView family page

South Yorkshire's reservoirs, rivers, and urban landscapes attract a surprising variety of gulls and terns, with 9 species recorded across the county. The region's waterways and wetlands, including sites along the Don and Dearne valleys, provide important habitat for passage terns such as Arctic Tern and Black Tern, while species like European Herring Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull are familiar year-round residents. Scarcer visitors such as Yellow-legged Gull and Little Gull add excitement for keen observers, particularly during migration periods.

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 in April and May, occasionally seen over reservoirs. Most birds pass through quickly heading to northern colonies.

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, occasionally hawking insects over reservoirs and larger wetlands.

May–Sep

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

Common Gull

Larus canusLC

Present year-round but most conspicuous in winter when numbers increase on playing fields, reservoirs, and farmland. Often mixed in with other gull species.

Year-round

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 September, nesting at reservoirs and gravel pits across the region.

Apr–Sep

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

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatusLC

A common year-round resident, frequenting reservoirs, playing fields, and urban rooftops across the region.

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 year-round resident, often seen at reservoirs and landfill sites. Less numerous inland than other large gulls.

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 and familiar gull seen year-round at reservoirs, landfill sites, and urban areas. Numbers peak in summer when breeding colonies are active.

Year-round

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

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutusLC

A rare spring passage visitor, occasionally seen over reservoirs and lakes in April. Its buoyant, tern-like flight is distinctive.

Apr

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

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Yellow-legged Gull

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

A rare breeder present from March to July, sometimes found among large gull flocks at reservoirs and landfill sites.

Jul–Oct

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

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