40 NESTS AND EGGS OF 



79. Anons stolidus (LINN.) [695.] 



Noddy. 



Hab. Tropical and sub-tropical regions; in America, from Brazil and Chili north to the Gulf and 

 South Atlantic States. 



Dr. Brewer says: "The common Noddy Tern appears to be an 

 inter-tropical species, and to be found round the entire surface of the 

 globe, both north and south of the equator, at a distance from it of 

 rarely exceeding thirty degrees north or south." On the Island of 

 St. Helena it is a common species, and it also breeds on Ascension 

 Island. It breeds in profusion on several of the West Indies. On the 

 Bahamas the nests are built of sticks, leaves and grass, and they are 

 placed in the branches of trees. In some of the islands of the tropics 

 this species places its nest on the top branches of cocoanut trees and 

 the outer branches of mangroves. It lays but a single egg ; this will 

 vary from ashy-yellow to buff or cream color. The spots are small 

 and scattered, dark chestnut, with subdued shell-markings of lavender 

 gray; average size 2.oox 1.35. 



80. Rynchops nigra LINN. [ 656.] 



Black Skimmer. 



Hab. Warmer parts of America, north on the Atlantic coast to New Jersey, and casually to the Bay 

 of Fundy. 



In summer the Black Skimmer is abundantly distributed from 

 New Jersey southward, and is strictly maritime. It may be known by 

 its singularly shaped bill, the under mandible of which is much longer 

 than the upper, and compressed like a knife blade, the end being ob- 

 tuse. The bird seems to feed as it skims low over the water, the under 

 mandible grazing the surface. Like the terns, the Skimmers breed in 

 communities. 



This species is known by several names, such as " Razor-bill," 

 "Cut-water," "Shear-water," "Sea Crow" and "Sea Dog;" the latter 

 name it receives from its cries, which resemble somewhat the barking 

 of a dog. 



It breeds on Cobb's Island, Va., in the last of June. Mr. R. C. 

 Stuart informs me that this species nests along the Gulf coast of Flori- 

 da in May and June, depositing in hollows of the sand from three to 

 five eggs. He says he has frequently taken sets containing five eggs. 

 Mr. C. S. Shick, of Sea Isle City, N. J., writes me that he has taken 

 eggs as early as May 26, on the New Jersey coast. His experience is 

 that four eggs are oftener laid than three, which is generally stated to 

 be the usual number. The eggs are among the most beautiful of all 

 eggs ; they are white and pale buff, rather coarsely spotted and blotched 

 with brown, blackish-umber and lilac of varying shades, with neutral- 



