GULLS AND TERNS. 53 
(which it closely resembles in size and general 
appearance), by its grayer under parts and _ per- 
ceptibly longer outermost tail feathers. Like all 
its congeners, the Arctic Tern is a summer migrant 
to the British seas and coasts, arriving from the 
south late in April or early in May. It prefers 
very similar haunts to those of the preceding 
species—low rocky islands with sandy or shingly 
beaches, and with a fair amount of grass and other 
marine vegetation upon them. It is equally 
gregarious in its habits, breeding in colonies, and 
returning regularly to certain districts to rear its 
young. Its slenderer form, and proportionately 
longer wings and tail, make it even more elegant 
looking in the air than its congener. It catches 
its food in the same Hawk-like or Gannet-like 
manner, pouncing down into the water and seizing 
the tiny fish as they swim near the surface. No 
Tern dives, and it is certainly exceptional for the 
bird completely to immerse itself; usually it flutters 
on the surface for a moment, then rises again. 
Small fish and crustaceans form the principal food 
of this species. Its note is very similar to that of 
the preceding Tern—a shrill and monotonous 
krick, often prolonged into two syllables. 
The nesting season of this Tern begins in June, 
and fresh eggs may be found throughout that 
month. Rocky islands seem everywhere to be 
preferred for nesting places, and the same habit of 
changing the exact hatching ground prevails in this 
