LAEID^. 



561 



the Tern, the Gull, and Fisli-hawk, who, to the superficial 

 observer, appear so superiorly accommodated." — (Wilson.) 

 The Skimmer does not begin to lay till early in June, 

 at which time these birds form themselves into small 

 societies, fifteen or twenty pairs frequently breeding 

 within a few yards of each other. The nest is a mere 

 hollow formed in the sand, without other materials. The 

 female lays three eggs, almost exactly oval, of clear white 

 marked with large round spots of brownish-black, and 

 intermixed with others, the colour of pale Indian ink. 



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