Quick Answer
The Ring-billed Gull is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States and Canada. This federal law prohibits harming or killing Ring-billed Gulls, their eggs, or their active nests without a permit. So in most cases, Ring-billed Gulls have legal protection and cannot be harmed. However, certain exceptions may allow control of nuisance gulls in some situations. Overall, Ring-billed Gulls are not considered threatened or endangered, but their populations are monitored and managed to ensure their survival.
The Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) is a common gull species found across much of North America. Named for the distinctive black ring around its yellow bill, this medium-sized gull frequents lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Ring-billed Gulls are adaptable birds that thrive around human activity and manmade habitats like landfills. Their adaptability, along with protection laws, contribute to this species’ widespread and abundant population. However, Ring-billed Gulls are sometimes considered a nuisance when large flocks congregate near airports or urban areas. This raises questions around the legal protections for Ring-billed Gulls and whether they can be controlled or harmed in certain situations.
Legal Protections
The main law protecting Ring-billed Gulls in the United States and Canada is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA). This federal law implements protections for migratory birds outlined in treaties between the U.S./Canada and other countries, including Mexico, Japan, and Russia. The MBTA makes it illegal to pursue, hunt, capture, kill, possess, or transport any migratory bird or parts, nests, or eggs of such birds without a permit. Permits are only issued for specific allowed purposes like scientific research or falconry. The maximum criminal penalty under the MBTA is a $15,000 fine and six months imprisonment.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enforces the MBTA and has authority to issue permits for limited exceptions. However, the regulations prohibit permits for killing migratory birds for the purpose of protecting other interests like human health and safety or personal property. So while the MBTA protects Ring-billed Gulls overall, it does not allow killing gulls simply for being a nuisance to humans.
Canada also protects migratory birds under its Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA). This prohibits harming or destroying nests or eggs of migratory birds without a permit. Violators face maximum penalties of $1 million for individuals and $3 million for corporations.
In addition to federal laws, some U.S. states and Canadian provinces have additional laws and regulations protecting gulls. And the Ring-billed Gull itself is not currently considered threatened or endangered at either the state or federal level. But the MBTA and MBCA provide baseline protection across the Ring-billed Gull’s entire range.
Exceptions and Controls
While Ring-billed Gulls have legal protections, there are some exceptions that allow certain controls or harming of gulls in limited circumstances:
Airports and Aircraft Safety
Gull strikes are a serious danger to aircraft, so the FAA authorizes some measures to disperse gulls from airports. Nonlethal harassment and habitat management are preferred, but lethal control is allowed when necessary for safety. However, airports must obtain permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before taking any action involving lethal control.
Public Health
In rare cases, the Fish and Wildlife Service may issue permits to kill gulls that pose a specific, documented threat to human health and safety. This is usually limited to situations where gulls are repeatedly aggressive toward people, not just a general nuisance. Officials must demonstrate serious risk to public health and that no feasible nonlethal options exist before lethal control is considered.
Depredation Permits
In the U.S., the Fish and Wildlife Service can issue depredation permits allowing limited killing of migratory birds that are causing, or about to cause, damage to property, agriculture, or natural resources. For Ring-billed Gulls specifically, this may include nesting gulls that cause property damage from droppings. But again, nonlethal options are preferred and the permit sets limits on allowable take.
Population Control Hunting
For some migratory game bird species with very healthy populations, states may allow limited hunting seasons. However, Ring-billed Gulls are not currently classified as a game species, so they cannot be hunted. The Fish and Wildlife Service monitors Ring-billed Gull populations and could potentially allow hunting in the future if supported by population data.
Sensitive Sites
In exceptional cases, the Canadian government may issue permits allowing destruction of nests and eggs at specific sites where gulls pose risks to public safety, health, or property. Officials must prove there is a specific, urgent issue at the site and no reasonable alternatives. Permits include reporting requirements.
So in summary, while Ring-billed Gulls have robust federal legal protections, there are some limited exceptions in extreme cases involving public health/safety, property damage, or aircraft strike hazards. Even then, officials must follow strict protocols and demonstrate the necessity of lethal control after exhausting nonlethal options. There is no allowance for general population control of Ring-billed Gulls. Federal and state/provincial governments monitor gull populations and maintain management plans to ensure healthy, sustainable numbers overall.
Population Status
The Ring-billed Gull is one of the most abundant gull species in North America, with a global population estimated at 2.5 million birds:
Region | Population |
---|---|
Canada and U.S. | 2,000,000 |
Mexico | 10,000-100,000 |
Caribbean | 10,000-100,000 |
The North American population increased dramatically during the 1900s as the species adapted to human-altered habitats. Numbers stabilized around 2 million birds from the 1970s onward.
Christmas Bird Count data indicates Ring-billed Gulls declined somewhat from the 1960s to 1980s, then rebounded around 2000. They remain one of the most widespread and common gull species across the U.S. and Canada.
The Ring-billed Gull’s ability to thrive around humans has contributed to its abundance. They nest on rooftops, artificial islands, and other manmade structures. They forage at landfills and waste treatment plants. As natural coastal habitats declined, Ring-billed Gulls successfully adapted.
This adaptability, along with lack of major threats and legal protections, leads authorities to consider the Ring-billed Gull population secure. Partners In Flight estimates a global breeding population of 2.5 million birds with a relatively stable population trend. Neither the IUCN Red List nor the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service list the Ring-billed Gull as threatened or endangered.
However, experts recognize the need to monitor gull populations and manage problematic flocks, especially with their attraction to airports. Population-control hunting is not currently authorized, but depredation permits and dispersal of nuisance flocks helps mitigate conflicts. Maintaining suitable coastal nesting habitat also remains a long-term priority for sustaining Ring-billed Gulls.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ring-billed Gulls have legal protection under federal laws in the United States and Canada. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Migratory Birds Convention Act prohibit harming gulls, their eggs, or active nests without a permit. These laws aim to support conservation of Ring-billed Gulls and other migratory birds.
At the same time, Ring-billed Gulls are sometimes considered a nuisance and hazard around airports or in urban settings. In extreme cases, authorities may use limited lethal control of gulls after exhausting nonlethal options. But gulls cannot legally be harmed or killed without following proper protocols and acquiring permits.
Overall, the adaptable Ring-billed Gull remains one of the most abundant gull species in North America. Its population is considered secure, not at-risk. Responsible management and monitoring by wildlife agencies, along with legal protections and habitat conservation efforts, aim to ensure healthy Ring-billed Gull populations across their range.