Logo Muuuh Nature and Wildlife Documentaries

MUUUH

Nature Documentaries

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)

The Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) is a highly adaptable bird commonly found along the St. Lawrence River and lakes in Montreal. Known for its competitive nature, this species thrives in urban environments, often seen vying with pigeons for food in city settings.

Moulin Légaré - 2017-09-02
Location: Moulin Légaré
Date: 2017-09-02
Camera: NIKON D500
Lens: TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N
Settings: f5.0 • 1/1250 • ISO 640
Focal Length: 150mm
Parc Angrignon - 2016-10-30
Location: Parc Angrignon
Date: 2016-10-30
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Settings: f5.6 • 1/500 • ISO 320
Focal Length: 300mm
Parc Angrignon - 2016-10-30
Location: Parc Angrignon
Date: 2016-10-30
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Settings: f5.6 • 1/500 • ISO 640
Focal Length: 300mm
Parc des Rapides - 2016-10-15
Location: Parc des Rapides
Date: 2016-10-15
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N
Settings: f5.0 • 1/2000 • ISO 220
Focal Length: 150mm
Parc des Rapides - 2016-10-15
Location: Parc des Rapides
Date: 2016-10-15
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N
Settings: f6.3 • 1/2000 • ISO 280
Focal Length: 600mm
Parc Île-de-la-Visitation - 2016-03-21
Location: Parc Île-de-la-Visitation
Date: 2016-03-21
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3
Settings: f7.1 • 1/1000 • ISO 200
Focal Length: 600mm
Parc Mont-Royal - 2015-05-03
Location: Parc Mont-Royal
Date: 2015-05-03
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Settings: f8.0 • 1/2000 • ISO 360
Focal Length: 250mm

Common Names

🇨🇦Ring-billed Gull
🇫🇷Goéland à bec cerclé
🇩🇪Ringschnabelmöwe
🇲🇽Gaviota de Delaware

Taxonomy

OrderCharadriiformes
FamilyLaridae

Characteristics

Length53-54cm
Weight300-700g
Wingspan105-117cm
Clutch Size2-4 eggs
Incubation20-31 days
Fledging45 days
Sexual Maturity3-4 years

Explore More

📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.

Identification and Whereabouts

To accurately identify the Ring-billed Gull, close observation is necessary. As its name suggests, this species is distinguished by a prominent black ring around its bill, a feature also visible in older juveniles. Although it is the smallest gull found in Montreal, size alone is not a reliable identifier, particularly when compared to the slightly larger Herring Gull.

The Ring-billed Gull can be observed year-round along the rivers and lakes of Montreal. It is particularly abundant at the river's edge in parks such as Rapids Park Lachine. Although sightings are less frequent in winter, the species can still be found within the city itself. Typically, when you encounter a gull on the streets of Montreal, it is likely a Ring-billed Gull.

Location Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Jardin Botanique de Montréal x - x -
Parc Angrignon x x x x
Parc Bernard-Landry x - - -
Parc Michel-Chartrand x - - x
Parc Mont Saint-Bruno x - - -
Parc de la Cité - x - -
Parc de la Frayère x x x x
Parc des Rapides x x x x
Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park - x - -
Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies x - - -
Parc Île-de-la-Visitation x - - -

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.

Captured Moments

Videos are hosted on YouTube. Click on a thumbnail to watch it.