Larus ridibundus inhabits the temperate zone to the rim of the Palearctic boreal forests. It is found mostly at low attitudes and in or around placid, shallow coastal or inland water bodies, including rivers and their estuaries. In some areas, such as Scandinavia, it has adapted to settle in salt marshes, clay pits, and coastal dunes and offshore islands. The distribution of this highly adaptable species has increased to encompass areas near canals or sewage treatment facilities (Howard and Moore, 1991; Cantos et al., 1994).

Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; rivers and streams; coastal

Wetlands: marsh

Other Habitat Features: riparian ; estuarine