Editing Forster's tern (section)

==Nest==

Forster's terns tend to nest in marshy areas, either in freshwater or in estuaries. The nests are usually located deep within the marsh, either on tidal islands or evaporation pond islands, but also on manmade dikes.<ref name="McNicholl71" /><ref name="Strong" /> Nests are composed of adjacent marsh vegetation. Many nests are considered floating and are made of marsh grasses, then can be set on top of the vegetation or deposited on floating rafts of vegetation. In Manitoba, there is a strong association between Forster's tern nests and [[muskrat]] houses. They are, in fact, highly solicited nesting grounds. Also in Manitoba, ''[[Scirpus]]'' and often ''[[Typha]]'' are the main plants used for nest building.<ref name="McNicholl71" /><ref name="McNicholl82" />

In the case of large colonies, nesting area availability decreases. Forster's tern will then nest on sand, gravel or mud.<ref name="McNicholl71" /> The nests will consist of a hollow in the substrates, either lined with grass or not and driftwood, shells, dried fish, bones and feathers are also often used.<ref name="Dakin" />

Floating nests are usually tolerant to a slight increase or decrease of water levels but re-nesting is common.<ref name="McNicholl71" /> Strong wave action, wind or flooding, usually induced by storms, can often damage the nest and eggs. Weather is the main explanation for nest failure and egg loss. Unsheltered nests are more prone to destruction than sheltered ones. Nest made on higher ground are also more shielded from flooding but are more exposed to the wind.<ref name="McNicholl71" /><ref name="McNicholl82" />

Forster's Terns have been recorded using man-made platforms, most notably in Wisconsin, where they were built to substitute for the Cat Island Chain. They demonstrated overall success, with Forster's Terns preferring to use them to avoid the vulnerabilities that come with a natural nest.<ref>{{cite web|title=Green Bay Tern Nesting Platform a Success|url=https://www.fws.gov/FieldNotes/regmap.cfm?arskey=35323|website=U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service|access-date=18 December 2017}}</ref>

===Eggs===

The egg's primary color ranges from a greenish to a brownish hue. They are evenly spotted with dark brown, almost black or gray spots. There are color variations between and within clutches; earlier eggs are usually paler, greener and larger. Coloration of the eggs may vary depending on location.<ref name="McNicholl71" /> Whitish or cream colored eggs have also been reported.<ref name="ARKive" /><ref name="McNicholl71" />