The breeding range of Larus ridibundus is very broad, extending from the southern tip of Greenland and all of Iceland down through the majority of Europe and Central Asia. L. ridibundus is uncommon in northeastern North America. The northern population of this species is migratory.
Birds residing at lower latitudes, however, tend to be non-migratory.
Most birds of the western Palearctic breed in central and north European wetlands and migrate to their winter grounds in the Mediterranean basin. Birds that breed in Scandinavia migrate to Britain, and the majority migrate farther, flying along the Atlantic Coast to West Africa. Birds from Central Asia migrate south to India, Malaysia, and Philippines. In accordance with its common name, L. ridibundus is distinguished by its dark brown or grayish-black frontal hood. The upper wing coverts, secondaries, inner primaries, and back are gray.