Ring-billed Gull
Larus delawarensis
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Larus delawarensis
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Mass
~520 g
Habitat
Coastal areas
Diet
Omnivore
How to recognize it
The Ring-billed Gull has a clean, streamlined look, with long wings and a short bill that give it a familiar city-and-waterfront feel. Adults look pale and neat rather than flashy, which makes them easy to notice in a crowd.
It is a noisy, social gull that walks, swims, and takes food from the surface. It also forages in flight and does not mind picking up scraps where people leave them behind.
It nests in colonies near lakes and reservoirs, then moves south for winter. Its diet is broad, from fish and insects to carrion, so it adapts well to many places, including towns and landfills.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Ring-billed Gull has a clean, streamlined look, with long wings and a short bill that give it a familiar city-and-waterfront feel. Adults look pale and neat rather than flashy, which makes them easy to notice in a crowd.
It is a noisy, social gull that walks, swims, and takes food from the surface. It also forages in flight and does not mind picking up scraps where people leave them behind.
It nests in colonies near lakes and reservoirs, then moves south for winter. Its diet is broad, from fish and insects to carrion, so it adapts well to many places, including towns and landfills.
How to recognize it
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Larus delawarensis Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Ring-billed gull Encyclopedia article