EGG CHECK LIST OF NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 71 
-a number of sets in the same locality. The eggs exhibit the following di- 
mensions: 1.70 byi1-20,.1.81 ‘by 1.18, 1.81 by 1.17, 1.78 by 1.23; 1.84 
bype2>, £64) by, 1122,, 1.77. by 1:24, 1.83 by 1.16, 
686. Sterna fluviatlis. 
Common Tern; Wilson’s Tern. 
This species breeds in various localities throughout its North Amer- 
ican range. 
Mr. Worthington, of Shelter Island, New York, who furnished me 
with notes on the nidification of the Fish Hawk, has kindly given me the 
following observations on this beautiful Sea-swallow: 
‘* Although a few Wilson’s Terns breed on nearly every sandy point 
near here, Gull Island, situated a mile or so east of Plum Island, is their 
chief breeding ground in this section. Here they breed by thousands, 
fairly filling the air, when you land and disturb them. Their nests are 
always placed on the ground or rocks, and are usually composed of a few 
pieces of grass and seaweed. They place their nests all over the Island 
above high water line, on the beach, on the sides of the bluffs, all around, 
and in the garden cultivated by the light-house keeper. Fresh eggs can 
be obtained there from the roth of June to the middle of July, as egging 
parties keep them cleaned off about as fast as they are laid. I collected a 
set of four eggs of this species on Gull Island, last spring (1881), which 
is the only set I ever saw containing more than three eggs, which is the 
usual number laid. 
688. Sterna dougalle. 
Roseate Tern. 
‘« Goose Island, a small island half or three-quarters of an acre in ex- 
tent, situated in Long Island Sound, about two miles from the Connecti- 
cut shore and half or three-quarters of a mile from Faulkner’s Island, is 
the only breeding ground of this species with which I am acquainted. 
Early in. the morning of June 22nd, 1881, accompanied by my 
friend, Mr. W. W. Worthington, I landed on this small island. Before 
we got near the island we sawa few Terns flying around, but as we 
landed the birds arose from the ground in a cloud, uttering their harsh cries 
and making such a din as to almost bewilder us. 
We immediately proceeded to the upland of the island, which is 
from two to six feet or more above the beach, and is covered with a thick 
growth of rank weeds and grass. In this rank growth, some concealed in 
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