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 |