Ring-billed Gull look-alikes
Larus delawarensis
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Ring-billed Gull. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Herring Gull
Larus argentatus
Key differences
Herring Gulls are significantly larger than Ring-billed Gulls. Adults have pink legs (vs. yellow), a larger, heavier bill with a red spot on the lower mandible (vs. black ring), and a more robust build. Juveniles are much darker and more uniformly brown than juvenile Ring-billed Gulls.
California Gull
Larus californicus
Key differences
California Gulls are slightly larger and darker-backed than Ring-billed Gulls. Adults have a red and black spot on the bill (vs. just a black ring), and their legs are typically greenish-yellow (vs. bright yellow). Their eyes are usually darker than the pale yellow eyes of Ring-billed Gulls.
Mew Gull (Common Gull)
Larus canus
Key differences
Mew Gulls are slightly smaller and more delicate than Ring-billed Gulls. Adults have a plain yellow bill without a black ring (though some may show a faint dusky smudge), and their wingtips have more white. Their head is rounder, and their overall appearance is gentler.
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