SANDWICH TERN 385 
common species being designated collectively ‘ Sea-swallows.’ 
In the early season, that is, soon after its arrival on our 
shores and before incubation has commenced, the Sandwich 
Tern spends much of its time on the wing. 
Flight.—The flight is buoyant and rapid ; yet as in the 
case of other Terns, the beat of the pinion is slow and 
evenly-measured. Mr. Warren has noted, especially on 
fine, bright days, the manner in which this_ species 
ascends in wide wheeling circles, until almost out of 
sight. 
Votce.—The cry is peculiarly harsh, unmusical, and 
scolding in character ; the note may be syllabled garéék, 
greek, or kirhitt. 
Food.—The staple diet, on which the young are chiefly 
fed, appears to be Sand-eels. Small surface-swimming fish, 
such as herring-fry, and in less quantity, crabs, shrimps, 
and insects, are also eaten. 
Nest.—The Sandwich Tern breeds on islands as well 
as on the mainland. low-lying, sandy shores, preferably 
those studded with shingle and bits of dried seaweed, are 
the sites usually selected; but when persecuted, the birds 
will often shift their quarters. The nests, many of which 
may be in close proximity, are only slightly hollowed out. 
In some places they are more or less built up with bits of 
sticks, or dry bent, and scantily lined with fragments of 
dried grass or seaweed; but the eggs are usually laid in 
the sand in naked hollows, which are loosely surrounded 
with stones and bits of sea-wrack. 
The eggs, two, more rarely three, to the clutch, vary in 
colour from greyish-white to rich stone or buff. Some are 
blotched and streaked with black and grey, others with 
reddish-brown. 
Geographical distribution.—Abroad, the Sandwich Tern 
breeds in South-eastern Europe, Asia, and North Africa, 
also in North America. On migration, it reaches Cape 
Colony, Central America, and India. 
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS. 
PLUMAGE. Adult male nuptial—TYop of head and back 
of neck, black, the feathers of the latter are pointed and 
shghtly elongated forming a crest; back, scapulars, and 
wings, ‘pearl’ grey; primaries, dark greyish on the outer 
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