Species · GBIF taxon 2481134
Larus delawarensis
larus delawarensisAlso known as Ring-bill
Ring-billed gulls are highly adaptable, opportunistic foragers that thrive in both coastal environments and human-dominated inland spaces like parking lots and landfills. They nest in large, noisy colonies on flat islands, where mated pairs work together to build shallow nests and raise their young. Their distinctive high-pitched, laughing calls are a familiar sound across North American lakes and waterways.
AdaptableSocialCoastal
- diet
- Omnivorous (fish, insects, earthworms, rodents, grain, and human food scraps)
- family
- Laridae
- threats
- Water pollution, plastic ingestion, and nesting habitat disturbance
- life Span
- 10 to 15 years in the wild
LC
Capable of delivering a sharp peck if cornered or handled; observe from a respectful distance.
Can deliver a painful peck with their sharp, hooked bill and scratch with their webbed claws if cornered or handled.
Avoid approaching nesting colonies or cornering injured birds; contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if assistance is needed.- Do not feed: Offering food encourages aggressive begging behavior and disrupts their natural diet.
- Watch for the ring: Identify adults by the prominent black band wrapping around the yellow bill.
- Keep distance at nests: Breeding colonies are highly sensitive to human intrusion.