Gulls are regular and numerous visitors to Oklahoma, despite the state being landlocked. The term “seagull” is largely a misnomer, as many species of the Laridae family thrive away from saltwater environments. These birds use large freshwater bodies as temporary or seasonal habitats. Their presence is a result of expansive migratory routes and their ability to adapt their feeding and nesting habits to the prairie environment.
Identifying Oklahoma’s Gulls
The two most frequently observed species in Oklahoma are the Ring-billed Gull and the Franklin’s Gull.
Ring-billed Gull
The Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) is a medium-sized bird, measuring 17 to 21 inches long with a wingspan between 41 and 46 inches. Adults are easily distinguished by the bright yellow bill encircled by a black band, which gives the species its name. They display a classic adult plumage of a white head, neck, and underparts, complemented by a silvery-gray back and wings. Immature birds present a mottled brown appearance and take up to three years to achieve full adult coloration. This species is typically seen in Oklahoma during the winter months, often congregating in large numbers near open water.
Franklin’s Gull
The Franklin’s Gull (Larus pipixcan) is a smaller species, measuring only 12 to 14 inches in length. These gulls are primarily migratory transients in the state, appearing during spring and fall movements. Breeding adults have a distinct, full black head and reddish legs and bill. Their wings feature a black wingtip separated by a white crescent. During the fall migration, their head plumage is reduced to a partial dark hood, and their flight is often described as more buoyant or tern-like.
The Inland Phenomenon: Why Gulls Leave the Coast
The presence of gulls in landlocked Oklahoma is primarily a consequence of the Central Flyway, a major north-south bird migration corridor in the Great Plains. Gulls use this route to travel between their northern breeding grounds and southern wintering ranges. The Franklin’s Gull breeds in the prairie states and Canada, while the Ring-billed Gull winters from the Great Lakes region down to the Gulf Coast and Mexico.
Oklahoma’s numerous man-made lakes and large reservoirs provide suitable habitat substitutes for coastal areas. These large freshwater impoundments offer extensive areas of open water, which are necessary for resting and foraging during migration and winter. The gulls’ adaptability is evident in their diet, which shifts dramatically from a marine focus to a varied inland menu.
These birds are highly opportunistic scavengers and predators, allowing them to exploit different food sources across the prairie landscape. Franklin’s Gulls, in particular, are famous for following tractors in agricultural fields, where they feed on worms, insects, and mice disturbed by plowing. Ring-billed Gulls are frequently found scavenging around urban areas, including garbage dumps and shopping center parking lots.
The development of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System in the mid-20th century also played a role in the increasing prevalence of gulls. This system created a navigable waterway between the Gulf of Mexico and the Port of Catoosa. The extensive locks and dams established continuous aquatic habitats that birds could follow inland. The large number of reservoirs built across the state provides a dependable supply of fresh water and food, enabling the gulls to thrive far from the sea.
Prime Gull Viewing Locations in Oklahoma
The best opportunities for observing gulls in Oklahoma are found around the state’s largest water bodies and reservoirs. Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser, both near Oklahoma City, are particularly well-known for attracting large numbers of waterbirds, including gulls. Ring-billed Gulls, being primarily winter residents, are most abundant from late fall through early spring.
Other significant locations include Lake Texoma on the border with Texas, Fort Gibson Reservoir in the northeast, and the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. These areas concentrate gulls where open water remains accessible, even during the coldest months. The Franklin’s Gull, as a migrant, is best observed during the peak migration periods of April and May in the spring, and then again from mid-September to mid-November in the fall.
Birdwatchers often find gulls gathered on sandy shores, mudflats, and even floating on the open water in large flocks. The large size of these flocks, sometimes including less common species like the Herring Gull or Bonaparte’s Gull, makes these lake locations a reliable spot for viewing.