48 



SO, Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis (Gmel.). 



Black Tern. 



Breeding Range — Temperate N. A., mainly on inland waters. 

 Winter Distribution — Gulf and S. A. coasts. 



Transient, occurring during the fall migration on the New Jersey 

 coast, but much less abundant than formerly. Mr. Scott states that 

 it arrived at Long Beach in 1879, about June 11, and soon became 

 common. Although it remained all summer, it was not known to 

 breed. {B. N. 0. C, 1879.) We have no definite records of the 

 occurrence of this species on the New Jersey coast in spring, though 

 a few have probably been taken. 



Stragglers have been reported from the Delaware and Susque- 

 hanna rivers. 



Family Rynchopidae— The Skimmers. 



Only one species occurs on our coast. 



31. Mi/nc7iops nigf^a Linn. Black Skimmer. 



Breeding Range — Sea coast of warmer parts of America to New Jersey. 

 Winter Distribution — Coasts of tropical America. 



Formerly a common summer resident on the New Jersey coast, 

 though probably always rather local, breeding at Brigantine Beach, 

 Little Egg Harbor and in Cape May county. Arrived June 10 

 and remained till September 25. 



Now quite rare, though a few are still reported to breed near 

 Tuckerton (Jillson),* and a specimen was shot from a flock at that 

 locality August, 1893. 



Dr. "Warren records one shot by Mr. C. D. Wood near Philadel- 

 phia in September, 1880. 



* Mr. Harry G. Parker reports them breeding plentifully on Seven-mile Beach 

 as late as 1886. (0. 4' 0., 1886, p. 138.) 



