Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2013-41


Common name:

Least Tern

Scientific name: Sternula antillarum
Date: 5/16/2013
Time: 6:00 pm
Length of time observed: 20 Minutes
Number: 1
Age: adult
Sex:  
Location: Down the pump road of the Provo Airport Dike
County: Utah
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: 10 yards
Optical equipment: binoculars
Weather: overcast
Light Conditions: light
Description:        Size of bird: smaller than the other terns
(Description:)       Basic Shape: tern shaped
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: white and black
(Description:)            Bill Type: Yellow
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Black cap with white patch on the forehead, yellow bill with dark tip. Light grey upper with a whiter underside and slightly darker wingtips
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:  I did not hear it make a noise
Behavior: bouncy flight in a large loop hunting
Habitat: was flying over the water south of the pump road
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Smaller than the Forster's Tern with a yellow bill and a white forehead
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
I had seen photos of the Least Tern that had been seen in Lehi earlier this month
References consulted: Sibley Guide
Description from: From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Eric Chase
Observer's address: 1322 W 1460 N
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Elizabeth Chase
Date prepared: 5/17/13
Additional material: photos
Additional_Comments: I submitted this sighting to ebird on 5/16/13