The Ring-billed Gull is the most common and familiar gull across much of inland North America, recognizable by the distinct black ring near the tip of its yellow bill. It has adapted brilliantly to human-altered landscapes and is a regular fixture at fast-food restaurant parking lots, beaches, and landfills. Unlike most gulls it reaches adult plumage in just two to three years.
Best time to see a Ring-billed Gull
The best time to see a Ring-billed Gull is November–March, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 104,806 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Ring-billed Gull? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Ring-billed Gull sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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