Ring-billed Gulls are medium-sized gulls easily recognized by the distinct black ring encircling their yellow bill. Adults have pale gray backs, white underparts, yellow legs, and wingtips marked with black and white. These adaptable birds are widespread across North America and are the most commonly observed gull in Arizona, especially during the non-breeding season.
In Arizona, Ring-billed Gulls are typically found from fall through early spring, frequenting lakes, reservoirs, rivers, landfills, and even shopping center parking lots. They are especially numerous around urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson, as well as at larger water bodies such as Lake Havasu, Lake Pleasant, and the lower Colorado River. Opportunistic feeders, they consume fish, insects, garbage, and handouts from humans.
They nest farther north in the interior U.S. and Canada, their presence in Arizona is regular and widespread in winter.
