Gull-billed Tern

🔍 Overview

A rare and irregular vagrant in Sussex, the Gull-billed Tern resembles a large marsh tern and is occasionally spotted at coastal lagoons or gravel pits.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Mid-sized tern (33–38 cm)

Plumage: White with grey wings and black cap (in breeding plumage)

Bill: Short, thick, and black—distinctive

Flight: Smooth, buoyant with shallow wingbeats

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Rare visitor to Rye Harbour, Pagham Harbour, and Arundel WWT—especially in late spring and early summer.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Soft, yelping call unlike most terns. Feeds by hawking insects or picking prey from ground.

📸 Birding Tip

Look for strong, gull-like flight and broad wingspan. Compare bill shape with Sandwich or Common Terns nearby.