BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 213 



The beautiful Roseate Tern, although by no means abundant, 

 is a regular summer visitant. A few specimens in full breeding 

 dress were taken at Acklin Island during the latter part of May, 

 and we found them common at Clarence Harbor, Long Island, in 

 June, nearly always in company with Sandwich or Sooty Terns. 

 The eggs are simply deposited on the sand, without any nest 

 whatever, as is usual with birds of this genus. The beautiful rose- 

 color of the breast fades soon after the bird dies, either becoming 

 pale or disappearing altogether. 



Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. VII. 'pi. 437. 



STER.VA SUPERCILTARIS. Vieil. 

 Least Terx. 



Adult Male. — Bill, yellow, tipped with black; cap, black; fore 

 head, white ; above, pearly gray ; under parts, white ; outer primaries, 

 dark brown on outer webs and inner half of inner webs ; tail, white, 

 forked; coverts, pearl -gray; legs, pale yellow; iris, brown. 



Length 8.75, wing 6.50, tail 2.20, tarsus .55, bill i. 



In summer the Least Tern becomes i-ather common on most of 

 the southern islands. Daring the latter part of May they were 

 quite abundant at Inagua. At this time most of them had repaired 

 to the inland salt ponds, and incubation had already commenced. 



