|
|
|
 |
|
|
This is the default gull throughout Ohio at nearly every season. With few exceptions, mainly along Lake Erie, and then primarily in winter, are other species commonly found. The ring-billed gull is the species that frequents urban situations such as landfills, mall parking lots, and inland reservoirs, which they often use to roost at night. This species is only one of two gulls that breed in Ohio, the herring gull being the other.
Listen
|
|
Ring-billed Gull
Larus delawarensis
At-a-Glance
• Peak Breeding Activity: May-August
• Incubation: 20-31 days
• Clutch Size: 3 eggs
• Typical Foods: fish, rodents, bird chicks and eggs, vegetable matter, etc. |
|
Description
The ring-billed gull is gray on the back with a white head, breast, and tail, and black-and-white wing tips. Except for the distinct black ring around the bill, it is almost identical to the larger herring gull. These "sea" gulls are large, robust birds with a strong flight. Their fully webbed toes make them good swimmers.
Habitat and Habits
This gull is a common permanent resident along Lake Erie and a fairly common migrant in the rest of the state. In the winter, concentrations of thousands of these birds can be seen on the open water around power plants on Lake Erie shores. They are scavengers, feeding mainly on dead fish and garbage, but will eat many types of plant and animal food as well. Their song is a loud, raucous cry.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Huge colonies of ring-billed gulls often nest on small islands. The nest is a hollow depression lined with grass. The two to four eggs are a spotted olive-buff color. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|