Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), Roper Lake State Park, Graham County

This Least Tern was photographed by Gary Graves on 10 May 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. Several have been reported and documented this spring.

Diagnostic white forehead and yellow bill with black tip.

10 May 2013, photo by Gary Graves

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