Posted by John Boyd on March 28, 2001 at 10:05:17:
In Reply to: Possible Roseate Tern at Snake Bight 3/17/01 posted by Sandy Jacobson on March 26, 2001 at 23:47:46:
Your bird might have been a Roseate. However, it
might also have been a Forster's whose bill hasn't
yet changed color. (Bill and legs aren't always
in sync, colorwise.) Note that Roseate's often
show red at the base of the bill (up to 50%).
In terms of likelihood, Forster's is far more
likely at Snake Bight than either Common or Roseate.
I'm not sure which of Common or Roseate is more
common there at this time. I haven't seen either at Snake Bight.