Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), South of Wellton, Coyote Wash Golf Course, Yuma County

This Least Tern was photographed by Henry Detwiler on 24 August 2013.

Very rare in Yuma County. 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.  Lower picture shows Black Tern on the right for size comparison. 

24 August 2013, photo by Henry Detwiler

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