103 



CASPIAN TERN. 



PLATE CCXIII. FIG. II. 



Sterna Caspia, , . Selby. Jenyns. Eyton. Gould. 



The nest is a mere hollow scratched in the sand. 



The eggs are two or three in number, of a yellowish 

 stone or pale olive green colour, spotted with grey and 

 reddish brown or blackish brown. They are hatched 

 in about twenty days. "Although the birds use great 

 exertions to prevent an intruder from approaching the 

 nest and eggs, by flying over his head, and making a 

 considerable noise, yet it has been remarked that when 

 they are once disturbed, they do not easily return to 

 their nest, and are said even not to revisit the same 

 spot the following year if they are fired at." 



