BirdAnalyst
Species · Michigan · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Ring-billed Gull Population Trend in Michigan

All statesWetland birds

Ring-billed Gull in Michigan has surged: up 47× on the route-weighted index since 1969.

47×Since 1969
76Routes In State
56Years

Notable Ring-billed Gull Trends in Michigan

long arc increasecomputed index

Ring-billed Gull has surged in Michigan: up 47× on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Ring-billed Gull Population Forecast in Michigan

If the recent trend holds, Ring-billed Gull in Michigan is projected to rise about 130% by 2029 — from 5.2 in 2024 to a central estimate of 12 (95% range 0.00–25). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±251.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+130%Change by 2029
12Projected 2029 index
0.00–2595% range
±251.3%Backtest error
19672029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
2025120.0025
2026120.0025
2027120.0025
2028120.0025
2029120.0025

Ring-billed Gull Survey Routes in Michigan

Routes recording Ring-billed Gull in Michigan.
Lawrence13220242018
Cathro11620161967
Beaver Lake7820112011
Prattville5920041987
Hamtramck5919841978
Pickford5820241973
Bootjack5420231986
St Charles4820191970
Traverse Cty3719851978
Lake City3220142000
Herman2220151983
Allegan Wma2120101994
New Troy2020241997
Herron1720162011
Isabella 21720232017
Adair1619901985
Coopersville1520241991
Riggsville1520191968
Hubbard Lake1519961976
Adrian1420171987
Walloon Lake1120041980
New Buffalo1120131993
Ontonagon720192010
Tahquamenon620061980
Skeels620072006

Ring-billed Gull Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonacaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsminnesotamissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.