GULL-BILLED TERN 
63. Gelochelidon nilotica. 14 in. 
Differs from all other terns in the shape of its black 
bill, which is stout, but with the upper mandible not 
hooked nor curved, as in the gulls. _ Tail forked about 
1.5 in. Adults have the crown black in summer, while 
in winter the head is white, with the nape and spot in 
front of eye, black mixed with white. Young birds are 
similar to winter adults but have the back feathers 
margined with brownish, and the neck streaked with 
gray. This species is found only on our South Atlantic 
and Gulf coasts, and is not abundant anywhere. 
Notes.—A high, thin, somewhat reeay “ tee-tee-tee,” 
sometimes suggesting a weak voiced katydid (Chap- 
man). 
Nest.—A slight, unlined depression in the short marsh 
grass or on the beaches. ‘lhe three eggs are olive gray, 
spotted with black and brown (1.80 x 1.30). 
Range.—Breeds in Texas and along the Gulf and 
South Atlantic coasts to Virginia; later, may wander 
north to New England; winters south of the U. 8. 
