BirdAnalyst
Species · New York · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Ring-billed Gull Population Trend in New York

All statesWetland birds

Ring-billed Gull in New York has surged: up 52× on the route-weighted index since 1968.

52×Since 1968
65Routes In State
58Years

Notable Ring-billed Gull Trends in New York

long arc increasecomputed index

Ring-billed Gull has surged in New York: up 52× on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Ring-billed Gull Population Forecast in New York

If the recent trend holds, Ring-billed Gull in New York is projected to rise about 81% by 2029 — from 8.5 in 2024 to a central estimate of 15 (95% range 0.30–30). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±272.2%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+81%Change by 2029
15Projected 2029 index
0.30–3095% range
±272.2%Backtest error
19662029
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
2025150.0030
2026150.0030
2027150.0030
2028150.1530
2029150.3030

Ring-billed Gull Survey Routes in New York

Routes recording Ring-billed Gull in New York.
Watertown30320121971
Ogdensburg22820241980
Sheridan10020241988
E Youngstown8820231967
West Bangor6019991990
Jones Beach4220131966
East Java3120231985
Pulaski2820241971
Westhampton2420061970
Macdougall2420241974
Romulus2220001986
Hamburg2220241967
Cayuga1920151990
Dryden1720241987
Underwood1019951967
Castile920161981
North Easton919901989
Downsville719951991
West Seneca620041973
Churchville620241987
Mendon519941991
Gainesville520231987
Willsboro520241968
Cherry Hill420191988
Cicero Ctr420241969

Ring-billed Gull Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonacaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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