2IO BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 



On most of the southern islands, the Gull-billed Tern becomes 

 common during the summer months. It is a curious fact that this 

 bird was not observed by Dr. Bryant during his visits, as it is one 

 of the most abundant species of its genus at Inagua, where, in the 

 month of June, it was evidently breeding. 



Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. VU. pi. 430. 



STERNA REGIA. Gambd. 

 Royal Tern. 



Adiih Male. — Bill, orange, reddish at the base ; above, pearl 

 gray; primaries showing much white on the inner webs; crown, 

 black, the feathers extending in a sort of crest to the back; below, 

 white ; tail, white and forked. 



Length 19, wing 14.50, tail 7.50, tarsus 1.25, bill 2.25. 



The Royal Tern is abundant throughout the Bahamas. It is 

 distinguished by its large size from any of the otiier Terns wliich 

 frequent the islands. The young bird has the bill pale orange, 

 without any traces of red, and the plumage is somewhat spotted. 

 During the winter the crown of the adult bird becomes mixed with 

 white and the color of the bill somewhat paler. None were observed 

 later than May. 



