Ring-billed GullRing-billed Gull -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 18-19 inches | Wingspan: 48 inches | Seasonality: Migrant/Winter |
| ID Keys: Yellow bill with black ring, yellow legs and feet, pale eyes | ||
Ring-billed Gull
Larus delawarensis
The Ring-billed Gull is probably the most common gull found in the state. Adapted well to living with humans, it can often be found sitting in parking lots or scavenging at landfills. The bird on the right represents an immature. Photos of adult birds can be found at the bottom of the page.
Habitat: Lakes, marshes, and large rivers.
Diet: Omnivorous. Wide variety depending on circumstances. Includes fish, insects, small mammals, garbage, and grain. Can be seen in freshly plowed fields foraging for earthworms and grubs.
Nesting: Mid May through June.
Breeding map: Breeding bird survey map
Song: High-pitched repeated kiyak. Call is a sharp ky-ow.
Migrations: Generally summers just north of the state and winters just south of the state, although it can be found around open water in the winter.
Similar Species: California Gull, Herring Gull. Mew Gull.. See Identification Tips.
Status: Has been increasing in number, thanks to its ability to live with humans.
Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Ring-billed Gull
2)
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Ring-billed Gull
3) eNature.com: Ring-billed Gull
Photo Information: November 3rd, 2002 -- Below Gavin's Point Dam near Yankton -- Terry L. Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Ring-billed Gull photos.
| Additional Ring-billed Gull Photos | |||
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| Ring-billed Gull 1 (Immature) | Ring-billed Gull 2 (Mature in Flight) | ||
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| Ring-billed Gull 5 (Mature) | Ring-billed Gull 6 (Mature) | ||
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| Ring-billed Gull 9 (Portrait) |
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
