Ring-billed Gull

The Ring-billed Gull is a fairly common breeder in very localized areas in the CW Region. Breeding habitat includes marshland islands, protected, urban grassy areas near water, and even large, flat rooftops. Once absent as a nester in Illinois, the Ring-billed Gull has since established a number of large breeding colonies in the Chicago area that are increasing. Although this species is poorly sampled by the BCN Survey, trend estimates suggest an increase in preserves and natural areas. Efforts have taken place along the Chicago lakefront to control this specie's numbers and also study its patterns of vagrancy. Photo: © Eric Secker