Young Sandwich Tern

Robert Ringler (ringler@cct.infi.net)
Sun, 23 Aug 1998 09:29:20 -0700


Howard,
	I have seen young Sandwich Terns like the one you describe.  The 
bill of juveniles is typically smaller than the adults'.  This is 
mentioned in most texts.  The color of the bill is a different matter.  
Apparently some juveniles retain the yellowish-colored bill from the 
downy stage which I can find described only in Bent.  I remember 
discussing this bill color with Claudia Wilds some years ago.  She had 
also seen such birds.  May be we can find out the rest of the story when 
the tern book comes out.

				Bob Ringler