ring-billed gull

[ring-bild]

noun

1. a North American gull, Larus delawarensis, having a black ring around the bill.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ring-billed gull¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

The Ring-billed Gull faced near extinction.

From Salon

Potential bird sightings include gadwalls and buffleheads, dazzling ducks like the common goldeneye and the red-breasted merganser and tons of gulls, including the laughing gull and the ring-billed gull.

From New York Times

Photographer’s description: “I was in Seattle for the day, visiting MOHAI. This ring-billed gull was hanging out at the boat pond. I was drawn in by its eye color and orange/red ring. It patiently posed for me! Taken with a Canon 80D, 400 mm, ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/2000 sec.”

From Seattle Times

You can play six games in a row and never see a ring-billed gull or a double-crested cormorant.

From Slate

While the first two birds — a Canada goose and a ring-billed gull — were getting IV fluids and supplements to flush the drugs from their system, rescuers were busy trying to catch the goose that had been shot.

From Los Angeles Times