621 STERNIN.E. 



inches shorter than tlic wings ; upper part of head black ; a 

 white band from the bill under each eye ; back, wings, and 

 tail deep leaden-grey ; lower parts grey, becoming darker on 

 the sides and abdomen. 



GENUS IV. GELOCHELIDON. GULL-BILLED -TERN. 



Bill about the length of the head, nearly straight, rather 

 slender, compressed, with the tips less elongated and the 

 angle more prominent than in the last genus ; legs very 

 short, slender ; anterior toes small, their membranes emar- 

 ginate ; wings very long and acuminate ; tail emarginate, 

 the lateral feathers rounded. 



1. GelocJielidon Anglica. Marsh Gull-hilled-Tern. Bill 

 and feet black ; hind claw straight. 



v. MEGALOPTERUS. NODDY. 



Bill longer than the head, nearly straight, compressed, 

 very acute. Feet very short ; toes slender ; interdigital 

 membranes full, the inner slightly concave. Wings very 

 long, narroAV, pointed ; tail long, graduated. 



1. Megalopterus stoUdus. Common Noddy. Bill rather 

 stout ; plumage sooty-brown ; primary (juills and tail-feathers 

 brownish-black ; upper part of the head pale ash-grey ; a 

 black spot before each eye. 



