38 NESTS AND EGGS OF 



number. They vary from pale greenish to drab or buff, spotted and 

 blotched pretty evenly with brown, umber and lilac of various shades, 

 with an occasional tinge of yellowish ; in some the markings tend to 

 form a wreath about the larger half. The average size is I.25X.95. 



75. Sterna fuliginosa GMEL. [691.] 



Sooty Tern. 



Hab. Tropical and sub-tropical coasts of the Globe. In America from Chili to Western Mexico and 

 the Carolinas; casually to New England. 



The Sooty Tern is found both in temperate and tropical regions 

 almost everywhere throughout the world. It breeds abundantly on 

 the rocky islets off the coast of the Island of St. Helena, and on Ascen- 

 sion Island, which is farther north and west ; in favorite spots at the 

 latter place it is said to breed in countless numbers. The eggs are re- 

 garded by some as a great delicacy, and are so numerous that they are 

 an important article of commerce. 



This species is said to be semi-nocturnal in its habits, being able 

 to fly by night as well as by day, going out to sea to feed long before 

 daylight. It is " the egg-bird " of Jamaica. Breeds on the islands in 

 the Gulf of Mexico, about the middle of Mayj and on the small islands 

 south of Key West, Fla., early in May. 



In some places the eggs are deposited on the bare ground or on 

 rocks ; in others a nest is made in the long grass under bushes. This 

 species lays but a single egg. Audubon states that the Sooty Tern 

 always lays three eggs, but more recent observers say that in thousands 

 of nests examined there were only two instances of two eggs being 

 found together. It is a handsome egg, pinkish or creamy white, 

 spotted and blotched with a rich reddish-brown, tinged with lilac. 

 Sizes vary from 1.95 to 2.12 long by 1.45 to 1.50 broad. 



[76.] Sterna ansethetus SCOP. [692.] 



Bridled Tern. 



Hab. Tropical regions; casual in Florida. 



The Bridled Tern is especially abundant in the West India Islands, 

 where it is the " egg-bird "/^r excellence, and is often confounded with 

 the Sooty Tern. It is noted for its social peculiarities, always nesting 

 in company with the Roseate, Sooty and Noddy Terns. The single 

 egg of this species is deposited on ledges of rocks or in the cavities 

 among loose bowlders along the sea-shore. The egg has a ground- 

 color of a rich cream, with large blotches and smaller spots of reddish- 

 brown, with confluent shell-markings of dull lilac. The blotches are 

 usually confluent at the large end, while others are scattered over the 

 entire surface. Average size about 2.05 x 1.42. 



