ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. 61 



Order GAVIJE. 



Family Laridce. 

 Sub-family Steminse. 



Sterna media (the Lesser-crested Tern). — Three of these birds 

 were shot at Truicomalee. The stomachs of two of them were 

 distended with fish of the genus Caranx up to 3 or 4 inches in 

 length. A number of cestodes were found in the gut of one of them. 



On the voyage to Batticaloa , between the Great and Little Basses , 

 we passed a number of these birds (or possibly the larger species, 

 Sterna hergii). I noticed one of them settle on the water for a few 

 moments and rest, notwithstanding the comparative choppiness of 

 the sea. 



Sterna anglica (the Gull-billed Tern). — Two of these birds were 

 shot at JafiEna. One was in \^'inter plumage, and the other was in 

 semi-breeding plumage, having the black crown and nuchal crest. 



Family ProcellariidoB. 

 Oceanites oceanicus {?). — A number of Storm Petrels were observed 

 while on the voyage to Batticaloa. They were black in colour, with 

 a white band round the base of the tail. I had a good look at them 

 with a telescope. They flew about astern of the ship, flitting close 

 to the water and disappearing over the wave crests. 



Order HERODIONES. 



Family Ardeidce. 



Ardea purpurea {the Purple Heron).— Several were seen at Batti- 

 caloa and Kadduklcamunai. 



Herodias alba (the Large White Egret). — Common at Batticaloa 

 and Kaddukkamunai. 



Herodias intermedia (the Lesser White Egret). — Common at 

 Batticaloa and Tamblegam. Large colonies of this and the two 

 preceding species live in the mangrove swamps on the western and 

 south sides of Buffalo Island (Batticaloa), and also on other islands 

 in the lagoon. 



Ardeola grayi (the Pond Heron). — Very common everywhere. 



Butorides javanica (the Little Green Heron). — Common at Batti- 

 caloa and Jaffna. A specimen in beautiful plumage was shot at 

 Jaffna. 



Order STEGA:N0P0DES. 



Family Pelecanidce. 



Phalacrocorax pygmceus (the Little Cormorant). — Very common 

 at Batticaloa. One specimen was shot. Its stomach contained 

 several small gobies and a number of prawns. 



Plotus melanogaster (the Darter or Snake bird). — Very common on 

 Kaddukkamunai tank. When disturbed they fly high in the air. 

 and look just like some mythical winged snake. 



