Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), Willcox Twin Lakes, Cochise County

These three Least Terns were discovered by Rick Taylor and  photographed by Christie Van Cleve on 03 June 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 is probably a family group as newly fledged terns accompany their parents, often for many months.  Thus, it is possible these young birds hatched in Arizona.  However, they are no longer in juvenile plumage and could have traveled a long way already from their hatching site. 

Adulty unmistakable with white forehead and yellow bill.  Immatures best told by their small size. 

03 June 2013, photo by Christie Van Cleve

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer