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Posted by Marcello Gomes on 21:36:59 06/03/14
In Reply to: Re: Forster's Tern Breeding stage -curiosity. posted by Marc Kramer
Hi Marc,
The distinction between the two terns in this case (Common vs. Forster's) was mostly based on my process of elimination trying to sort out what was what. Common Tern having a black-tipped red bill while Forster's having more prominent black on its bill (on about half of its bill). Common having wings that are dark-tipped and having a dark leading edge while Forster's having a pale gray with paler primaries. Common has a length range slightly larger than Forster's in general. Common having red legs while Forster's having an orange-red color to it. The bill on a Common seems thinner whereas Forster's at least on my shots look thicker and perhaps shorter.
Having fired many shots I could see many of these details. I have a lot more experience with Forster's than with Common. I only brought up a light comparison between the two because of process of elimination I was trying to make it in the field and because the bird was quite far. Once I had the opportunity to get a closer look I was sure about the bird.
I hope I have clarified myself.
Great question, Marc!
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