274 THE Birps AsouT Us. 
been said of the species that is so well known to 
those who, during summer, tarry at the sea-shore. 
But a word concerning the 
Least Tern, and this, too, 
from Wilson: 


“ This beautiful little species looks 
like the preceding in miniature, but 
surpasses it far in the rich, glossy, 
satin-like white plumage with which 
its throat, breast, and whole lower 
parts are covered. Like the former, 
it is also a bird of passage, but is 
said not to extend its migrations to 
so high a northern latitude, being 
A more delicate and susceptible of 
GY Least Tern. cold. It arrives on the coast some- 
what later than the other, but in 
equal and perhaps greater numbers; coasts along the shores and also 
over the pools in the salt marshes in search of prawns, of which 
it is particularly fond; hovers, suspended in the air, for a few mo- 
ments above its prey exactly in the manner of some of our small 
Hawks, and dashes headlong down into the water after it, gener- 
ally seizing it with its bill; mounts instantly again to the same 
height, and moves slowly along as before, eagerly examining the 
surface below.”’ 
ZA 

SEs 
Wilson visited, in Cape May County, New Jersey, 
a spot where these birds were nesting, and describes 
his experiences as follows : 
“During my whole stay these birds flew in crowds around me, 
and often within a few yards of my head, squeaking like so many 
young pigs, which their voice strikingly resembles. A Humming- 
bird, that had accidentally strayed to the place, appeared suddenly 
among this outrageous group, several of whom darted angrily at him; 
but he shot like an arrow from them, directing his flight straight to- 
wards the ocean. I have no doubt but the distressing cries of the 
