Forster’s Terns are uncommon but regular visitors to Arizona, primarily during migration and occasionally in winter. These elegant, pale terns are typically found at large lakes, reservoirs, and marshy wetlands, especially in the central and southern parts of the state, such as the Salton Sea drainage and the lower Colorado River valley. They are most often seen from late summer through fall and again in early spring, with occasional overwintering records. Forster’s Terns are recognized by their long, slender wings, deeply forked tails, and graceful flight. Breeding does not occur in Arizona, but the state serves as a key stopover or wintering area for birds migrating between inland breeding colonies and coastal wintering grounds.
