Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), Gilbert Water Ranch, Maricopa County

This Least Tern was discovered and photographed by Bernie Howe on 17 April 2013.

Once a casual visitor to Arizona, this species has increased steadily over the last few years and the first nesting record for the state occurred recently in Glendale.  It is nearly annual at Gilbert Water Ranch and at Willcox during mid May.  However, there are only a few April records for the state. 

Diagnostic white forehead and yellow bill with black tip.  

17 April 2013, photo by Bernie Howe

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