Ring-billed Gull

A Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) is a common and widespread gull species found throughout North America. They are known for their pale plumage, yellow bill with a distinct black ring, and their adaptability to both coastal and inland environments.

The Ring-billed Gull is a medium-sized gull with a white head, neck, and underside. Its back and wings are a light gray color, and it has black wingtips with white spots. The most defining feature is its slender yellow bill, which has a prominent black band or "ring" near the tip. They have yellow-green legs and feet. Juveniles have a mottled brown and gray plumage that they lose as they mature.

Ring-billed Gulls are highly adaptable and are found in a wide range of habitats. While common along coasts, they are also a familiar sight at inland lakes, rivers, garbage dumps, and even shopping mall parking lots. They are opportunistic scavengers and will eat almost anything. Their diet includes fish, insects, worms, eggs, and food scraps from humans.

Ring-billed Gulls are social birds that often nest in large, dense colonies. They are known for their loud, squawking calls, which they use to communicate with their flock and to defend their territory. Their clever and persistent scavenging behavior has made them a familiar sight in urban and suburban areas across the continent.