Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), Roper Lake State Park, Graham County

This Common Tern was discovered by Jeff Coker, Craig Wilcox and Diane Drobka on 09 September 2020 and photographed by Diane Drobka on 09 September 2020.

Common Tern is a casual migrant in southeastern Arizona, and this is apparently a first record for Graham County.

Similar species are Arctic and Forster's terns. Arctic would lack the large dark wedge on the upperside of the primaries and have a shorter bill and legs. Three Forster's Terns were also present (see second photo) and lack the dark carpal bar on the wing.

09 September 2020, photo by Diane Drobke