109 



GULL-BILLED TERN. 



PLATE CCXVII. — FIG. II. 



Sterna AiicjUca, . . MoNTAGU. Bewick. Fleming. 

 " "... Selby. Jenyns. Eyton. Gould. 



The nesting-places of this species are marshy grounds 

 not far from the sea-beach. A small hollow is scratched 

 in -the sand or gravel, and in this a few stems of grass 

 and small roots arc placed. 



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

 pale, as also of a dull greenish or yellowish olive- 

 colour, marked and spotted with pale grey, reddish 

 brown of two shades, and olive brown. 



