Elegant Tern

Description:

An endearing shaggy-crested (during breeding) tern species found on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Most of the world's population nests in the Gulf of California of Mexico but several established colonies exist in southern California. Following breeding, many birds wander as far north as Canada, taking advantage of the rich seas teeming with food items. They later migrate down to South America to spend winters there.

Notes:

Elegant terns are relatively uncommon in Santa Clara County for most of the year but good numbers often show up in fall migration.