LESSER TERN. 



291 



Tlic Lesser Tern is very similar to the Arctic Tern, but is only about 

 half the size, and is further distinguished by the peculiarity of having the 

 forehead white at all seasons ; the black reaches to the nostrils, but the 

 white on the forehead extends over the eye. Bill yellow, tipped with 

 black ; legs and feet bright orange ; irides hazel. Males do not differ in 

 colour from females, nor is there any perceptible difference in the plumage 

 of winter from that of summer. Otherwise the Lesser Tern resembles 

 the Arctic Tern in the general distribution of its colours and the suc- 

 cessive changes of plumage which it undergoes. 



Young in down have the upper parts buff mottled with black on the 

 head and with grey on the back ; the underparts are dull white. 



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