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COMMON TERN. 



PLATE CCXV. 



Sterna Jdrundo, . . Pennant. Montagu. Bewick. 

 " "... Fleming. Selby. Jenyns. Gould. 



The Common Tern lays its eggs on sand or shingle, 

 making little or no nest beyond scooping out a slight 

 hollow. 



The eggs are variously of a pale blue, pale yellow, 

 green, brown, white, or light dull yellowish or stone- 

 colour, blotted and spotted with grey, dark reddish 

 brown, and blackish brown: three in number. They 

 are laid from the latter end of May to the beginning 

 of July. 



The male bird assists the female in the task of sitting 

 during the day, she taking charge of the clutch at 

 night; in fine weather, however, the heat of the sun 

 seems to be thought sufficient warmth, and the bird 

 leaves them to its rays. Ten or twelve pairs of these 

 birds breed together. The young come forth in fifteen 

 or sixteen days, and are able to fly when about three 

 weeks old. The old ones display much anxiety for 

 their safety, and are very clamorous when any one 

 approaches their station, flying round, and frequently 

 even striking against him. 



