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Forster's terns are the common breeding tern in western North America. They are about the same size and shape as Arctic and Common terns, but are identified by their red-orange bills with black tips and pure white undersides. Most of these birds were photographed early in the breeding season; in winter they lose the red color in the bill and develop a white crown (bottom images). The pictures were taken at Bolsa Chica wetlands in coastal Orange County, California, and in northern Montana. The bird at upper left is carrying a freshly-caught fish, which is a common courtship behavior in terns. Click here for other pictures of Forster's terns, elegant terns, royal terns, least terns, and Caspian terns. |
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