Gulls, Terns

Ring-billed Gull, Larus delawarensis

Family Laridae (Gulls, Terns)

Size: 18"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Widespread from coast to inland lakes, ponds, parking lots

The ring-billed gull is common and quite tame. It is a relatively small gull with a rounded white head and a yellow bill with a dark subterminal ring. It has white underparts and a pale-gray back with black primaries tipped with white. The eyes are pale yellow, and the legs are yellow. The nonbreeding adult has faint streaking on the nape and around the eyes. Ring-billed gulls feed on the water or on the ground, taking a wide variety of food, and may scavenge in urban areas and dumps. The nonbreeding adult is illustrated.