Least Tern? So California -flight shots (1 Viewer)

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dancinec

Well-known member

• Jun 30, 2006

• #1

Small tern -like birds, fast moving. I didn't see if it was diving. The least tern is suppose to have a yellow bill, this one is dark with a bit of orange. The forehead is white, but the black head cap is not complete. An immature first year least tern?

 

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lassa8

Well-known member

• Jun 30, 2006

• #2

Just throwing it out there....maybe juvenile Forster's Tern? I think a Least would show yellow legs?

 

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dancinec

Well-known member

• Jun 30, 2006

• #3

lassa8 said:

Just throwing it out there....maybe juvenile Forster's Tern? I think a Least would show yellow legs?

Click to expand...

There were a lot of mature Forsters Terns in the area, and I have several shots of them, but you are correct Sibley shows yellow legs. This tern seemed to be much smaller, but the coloration fits. Thanks for the comments.

 

JANJ

Well-known member

• Jun 30, 2006

• #4

Hi all.

Typical 1st summer looking Forster´s Tern.
Looks like aduld winter, but with some differences.
The "Forster´s black mask" contrast between unmoulted outer six worn juvenile primaries and new inner ones. Also some old inner secondaries and wing coverts and red bill base, all combined, a good sign for 1st summer FT.

http://www.naturescapeimages.net/Forsters.html

Nice images!

JanJ

 

London Birder

Well-known member

• Jun 30, 2006

• #5

yep that bandits mask is a giveaway ... nice flight shots indeed

 

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dancinec

Well-known member

• Jul 1, 2006

• #6

Thanks JanJ and Des, they are now officially 1st year Forsters Terns. Thanks again for your effort.