Ring-billed Gull
Larus delawarensis
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Ring-billed Gull is a medium-sized gull with a white head, neck, and underparts. Its back and wings are pale gray, with black wingtips marked by white spots. The distinctive yellow bill features a black ring near the tip.
Adults have yellow legs and yellow eyes. Juveniles are drab brown with mottled patterns, gradually acquiring adult plumage over three years. Winter adults may show sparse, pale gray streaking on the head.
Size
Length
43cm to 54cm
Wingspan
112cm to 124cm
Weight
300g to 700g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White Grey
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Ring-billed Gulls are widely distributed across North America, found along coasts, lakes, rivers, and in urban areas. They breed primarily in Canada and the northern United States, particularly around the Great Lakes.
During winter, they migrate to southern parts of the US, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean. In the UK, they are occasional visitors, mainly appearing along coasts and at large inland water bodies.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 100 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Ring-billed Gull. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Ring-billed Gulls demonstrate excellent aerial manoeuvrability, capable of precise hovering, swift directional changes, and skilled food-snatching from water surfaces. Their ability to navigate complex urban environments and perform intricate aerial feeding techniques showcases their remarkable agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not amongst the strongest gulls, Ring-billed Gulls possess sufficient strength to carry moderate prey items and engage in behaviours like dropping shellfish to crack them open. Their medium size (290-680g) provides adequate power for their lifestyle needs.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Exceptionally adaptable birds, thriving across diverse habitats from coastal areas to urban environments. Their opportunistic feeding behaviour, ability to process both fresh and salt water, and successful colonisation of human-modified landscapes demonstrate outstanding adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst not overly aggressive compared to larger gull species, Ring-billed Gulls display notable assertiveness in defending nesting territories, stealing food from other birds, and raiding unattended picnics. They maintain a moderate level of aggression necessary for survival.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
These gulls exhibit strong endurance, undertaking significant seasonal migrations and maintaining extended periods of flight whilst foraging. Their ability to survive in various climate conditions and their relatively long lifespan (10-15 years, sometimes up to 30) reflect robust endurance capabilities.
Diet
Ring-billed Gulls have a diverse diet, including fish, insects, earthworms, rodents, and human food scraps.
They are opportunistic feeders, often seen foraging in parking lots, beaches, and agricultural fields. These gulls will also steal food from other birds and raid unattended picnics.
Behaviour
Ring-billed Gulls are highly adaptable and often seen in large, noisy flocks. They are skilled flyers, able to hover and snatch food from the water's surface.
These gulls are known for their opportunistic feeding behavior, often following plows in fields or scavenging in urban areas.
Vocalisation
Ring-billed Gulls have a variety of calls. Their most common is a loud, harsh "kuk-kuk-kuk" or "kee-aw." During courtship, they produce a softer mewing sound.
When alarmed, they emit a sharp, high-pitched "kek-kek-kek." Their calls are often described as more musical than those of other gull species.
Nesting & Breeding
Ring-billed Gulls typically breed in large colonies on islands or near shorelines. Pair formation begins in early spring, with both sexes participating in courtship displays.
Nests are built on the ground, usually a shallow scrape lined with vegetation, feathers, and debris. Females lay 2-4 olive-brown eggs with dark splotches.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 25 days. Chicks fledge at 5-6 weeks but may be fed by parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Ring-billed Gulls are currently listed as Least Concern due to their large range and increasing population. However, they face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting sites and managing urban interactions.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Ring-billed Gulls near water bodies, parking lots, and urban parks
- Observe their distinctive black ring on the bill for easy identification
- Watch for their habit of dropping hard-shelled prey from height to crack it open
- In the US and Canada, they're common near the Great Lakes and coastal areas
Additional Information
Predators
Main predators include large birds of prey such as Bald Eagles and Great Horned Owls, as well as foxes, raccoons, and coyotes that may raid nests.
Did You Know?
- Ring-billed Gulls can drink both fresh and salt water.
- They have been known to drop clams onto hard surfaces to break them open.
- Some individuals can live up to 30 years in the wild.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Larus delawarensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22694317A132541912.
View source - 3
report, 2007: data from Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
- 2
website, 2020: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
website, 2000: Carey and Judge, Longevity Records: Life Spans of Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish
View source
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