Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), Lake Havasu, Rotary Park, Mohave County

This Least Tern was discovered and photographed by John West on 04 August 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.

This immature first cycle plumage is certainly not the expected one for Arizona, as most reports from Arizona are adults. In this case the very small size is helpful, as immature Common Tern also shows a dark carpal bar.

04 August 2013, photo by John West

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer