ExploreBird

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

The Ring-billed Gull has a distinctive black ring around its bill. It's a friendly bird that often hangs around lakes and parks!

Habitat: Lakes, rivers, and coastal areas

Appearance

The Ring-billed Gull has a distinctive black ring near the tip of its yellow bill, setting it apart. It features a clean white body, gray back and wings, with black wingtips that have noticeable white spots. Their legs are bright yellow.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusLarus

Ring-billed Gull

Interesting facts

During migration, these gulls can fly thousands of kilometers to warmer wintering grounds.

Ring-billed Gulls are very social and often nest in colonies with thousands of other birds.

They're so adaptable, they thrive in cities as easily as by lakes and oceans!

Young Ring-billed Gulls don't get their famous bill ring until they are two years old!

Special abilities

Ring-billed Gull can drink saltwater because special glands remove the extra salt from their bodies.

Ring-billed Gull can stir up hidden snacks by wiggling their feet in shallow water.

Ring-billed Gull can soar and glide effortlessly on air currents, saving energy during long flights.

Measurements & details

Length: 41-49 cm
Wingspan: 105-124 cm
Weight: 0.3-0.7 kg
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Top Speed: 60 km/h
Clutch Size: 2-4
Incubation: 23-28 days
Migration Distance: 4000 km

Diet & Feeding

This opportunistic gull eats almost anything, from fish and insects to berries and human snacks.

Primary Foods

Fish
Insects
Worms
Berries
Small Rodents
Human Scraps

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Hunts gulls, especially at night.

eats

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Catches small fish from shallow waters.

eats

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

Forages for worms in wet soil.

eats

House Mouse

Mus musculus

Opportunistically hunts small rodents in fields.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Aerial

Discover amazing creatures that spend much of their lives soaring high above the ground, often using wings to fly! They might hunt, travel, or even sleep up in the sky.

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.