ScientificName - Larus delawarensis RANGE - North & Central America LIFESPAN - Avg. 3 to 10 years (up to 23)
DIET - Insects, fish, grain, eggs, earthworms and rodents. Opportunists. WEIGHT - 10.5 to 24.7 ounces LENGTH - 17 to 21 inches WINGSPAN - 41 to 46 inches
STATUS - Range Expanding PROTECTION - Not Protected
A familiar parking lot bird, the Ring-billed Gull ranges primarily inland in North America. It can be found along the coasts, but most of these "seagulls" only see fresh water all of their lives. Found throughout Tennessee, at most lakes & rivers, the Ring-billed Gull is a medium-sized gull with a yellow bill that has a black ring near the tip. The head and underparts are white, the back light gray and the wingtips black with white spots. The legs are yellow and it has a red ring of skin around yellow eyes. Sexes are visually alike, except the male is slightly larger. Most Ring-billed Gulls return to breed where they hatched. They nest in clolonies on the ground, often on islands and tend to be faithful to their nesting site from year to year, even if not faithful to its mate. Many return to the same wintering sites each winter also. Young Ring-billed Gulls tested at only two days of age showed a preference for magnetic bearings that would take them in the direction for their fall migration. They are migratory birds and most move south for the winter, although some may remain in warmer locations year round. These birds forage in flight, while swimming, walking or wading. They are also known to steal food from other birds and scavenge. In the late 19th century, this bird was hunted for its plumage. Its population has since rebounded and it is probably the most common gull in North America.
