The terms “seagull” and “Ring-billed Gull” refer to two closely related, yet distinct groups of birds. Seagull is a broad term used to describe many species of gulls that live in coastal regions around the world. The Ring-billed Gull, however, is a specific species of gull with the scientific name Larus delawarensis. While Ring-billed Gulls are considered seagulls, not all seagulls are Ring-billed Gulls.
Differences in Appearance
The most noticeable difference between Ring-billed Gulls and other seagull species is in their outward appearance. Ring-billed Gulls are medium-sized gulls with a wingspan of around 50 inches. Their plumage is white with gray wings and black wing tips. As their name suggests, Ring-billed Gulls have a distinctive black ring around their yellow bill. This black ring is a key identifying feature. Other seagull species may have differently colored or patterned bills.
In terms of size, Ring-billed Gulls tend to be smaller than the larger gull species such as Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls. However, they are similar in size or slightly larger than Laughing Gulls and Franklin’s Gulls. The varying sizes and distinctive markings of the different seagull species make them easier to tell apart.
Differences in Geographic Range
Ring-billed Gulls have a more limited geographic range than the broader group of all seagull species combined. Ring-billed Gulls are native to North America and are year-round residents of the northern United States and southern Canada. They migrate north to breed during the summer months and migrate south during the winter. Their migration route and wintering grounds extend along the west coast, Gulf coast, and southeastern Atlantic coast of North America.
Other seagull species have broader ranges that extend to coastal regions around the world. For example, Herring Gulls occur across parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. Kelp Gulls are found throughout the Southern Hemisphere in South America, southern Africa, and Australasia. The global distribution of various seagull species differs considerably from the more concentrated North American range of the Ring-billed Gull.
Differences in Habitat
Ring-billed Gulls utilize a wide variety of habitats and settings throughout their range. During the breeding season, they nest in colonies in marshes, lakes, islands, and shorelines across the northern U.S. and Canada. The rest of the year they frequent a range of coastal and inland habitats including beaches, mudflats, fields, parking lots, and landfills.
Other seagull species occupy more specialized coastal marine habitats. For example, the Western Gull and Heermann’s Gull are closely associated with rocky shorelines along the Pacific Coast. Franklin’s Gull primarily inhabits prairie marshes and rarely visits coastal areas. The differences in habitats frequented by Ring-billed Gulls and other seagull species results from their varied geographic ranges and ecological roles.
Differences in Diet
Ring-billed Gulls are opportunistic feeders with a diverse omnivorous diet. They feed on fish, marine invertebrates, insects, earthworms, grain seeds, and human refuse. Their broad diet allows them to thrive in a variety of settings away from the ocean. They often flock to landfills or agricultural fields to scavenge.
In comparison, other seagull species are more specialized and rely more heavily on marine food sources. Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls feed mainly on fish, intertidal invertebrates, and seabird eggs and chicks. Species like the Western Gull feed extensively on marine organisms in coastal habitats. The Ring-billed Gull has a more varied diet that enables it to exploit food sources further inland.
Differences in Behavior
Ring-billed Gulls demonstrate a high degree of adaptability in their behaviors and habits. They are able to nest in proximity to humans and have thrived in areas of human activity. They frequently congregate in large numbers at landfills and urban centers.
Many other seagull species are less tolerant of human disturbance and less likely to gather in heavily populated areas. For example, the Western Gull is wary around human presence and is threatened by encroaching coastal development. Species like the Black-headed Gull tend to avoid developed areas frequented by Ring-billed Gulls. The affinity of Ring-billed Gulls for human-altered environments sets them apart from other more sensitive seagull species.
Summary of Main Differences
In summary, while the Ring-billed Gull belongs to the broader group of seagulls, it differs from other seagull species in several notable ways:
- Appearance: Ring-billed Gulls have distinctive plumage with a black ring around their yellow bill.
- Range: Ring-billed Gulls have a concentrated distribution centered in northern North America.
- Habitat: Ring-billed Gulls use diverse coastal and inland habitats.
- Diet: Ring-billed Gulls have a varied omnivorous diet, not reliant only on marine food sources.
- Behavior: Ring-billed Gulls tolerate human proximity and urban environments.
These differences in physical traits, geographic distribution, ecology, and habits set the Ring-billed Gull apart from the broader diversity of seagull species across the northern and southern hemispheres.
Conclusion
While Ring-billed Gulls are considered a type of seagull, important distinctions exist between them and other species in the seagull family. Ring-billed Gulls have adapted to thrive around humans and exploit a range of food sources both along the coast and farther inland. Their smaller size, distinctive bill markings, North American range, varied diet, and tolerance of disturbance separate them from larger, more marine-dependent seagull species with more limited ranges. Understanding these differences provides greater insight into the diversity of gulls and the unique adaptability of the Ring-billed Gull.
