Common Terns, Timnath Reservoir, Larimer County

[marimammoser]

There were two adult Common Terns along with two Forster's Terns on the north shore of Timnath Reservoir.

Common Tern #1

More advanced molt into winter plumage. White forehead with blackish speckling on crown transitioning to a more fully black nape and hind neck. The face was mostly dark with a more solid black ear patch and white speckling transitioning again to a more blackish hind neck.

The primaries on the upper wing were significantly dark on the outer 1/4 of each feather and I caught a glimpse of the dark wedge extending into the center of the wing when it flew.

Bill was all black

Legs were red and longer than a typical Arctic Tern with the belly feathers well above the leg joint.

Tail was obviously shorter than the wing tips and was white or whitish.

Common Tern #2

Just starting molt into winter plumage. The head was mostly black with a few white speckles in the forehead.

This bird did not fly or raise its wings. They looked dark on the primaries on the folded wing similar to Tern #1.

Bill was 1/2 orangish-red on the base and dark on the tip.

Legs also red and longer than a typical Arctic Tern.

Tail was white and shorter than the wing tips.

Joe Mammoser

Fort Collins