Ring-billed Gull
Learn to identify the Ring-billed Gull by ear. Master the "kee-KEEE-yah, kee-yah, kee-yah" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Ring-billed Gull sounds like
The clip jumps among thin squeals and rough, nasal gull notes instead of following one long-call pattern.
How to tell it apart
Lessons featuring the Ring-billed Gull
Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Ring-billed Gull's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.
Where you'll hear it
Breeds across interior Canada and the northern United States; winters along all North American coasts, the Great Lakes, southern U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Nesting on islands in large lakes and rivers; outside the breeding season frequenting beaches, estuaries, reservoirs, agricultural fields, urban parks, parking lots, and landfills.
Arrives on interior breeding colonies from March–April; fledglings depart July–August. Migrates southward September–November and returns northward February–April.
How to recognize it by sight
A medium-sized, graceful gull easily recognized by its clean white head and underparts, pale-gray back, black-tipped wings with bold white spots (“mirrors”), and, most notably, a yellow bill encircled by a neat black ring. In flight it shows long, narrow wings and a fairly long, slightly notched tail.
Similar species
California Gull
Larger overall with heavier bill showing red and black spots (not a clean ring).
Short-billed Gull
Smaller, daintier bill lacking ring.
American Herring Gull
Noticeably larger with pink legs.