2 14 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 



On June 2 I found several large flocks of them breeding together, 

 and procured a number of their eggs, many of which contained large 

 embryos. The eggs were deposited in a slight depression in the 

 sand. The female lays from one to two eggs, and I have never 

 found over that number, although it has been claimed by some 

 writers that three are often found. 



Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. VII. pi. 439. 



STERXA FULIGINOSA. Cm. 

 Sooty Tern. 



Adult Male. — Bill, black; crown and entire upper plumage, 

 black; forehead, white, extending into a pair of horns, not reaching 

 above the eye; under parts, white; outer tail-feathers, white, show- 

 ing very dark brown for about two inches on the inner webs near 

 the tip ; legs, black ; iris, brown. 



Length 16.50, wing 11.50, tail 7, bill 1.60, tarsus .90. 



The uninhabited reefs and small islands are frequented every 

 spring by innumerable quantities of these birds, which find there a 

 secure retreat in which to rear their young, undisturbed by man. 

 At the Miraporvos whole islands are covered with them. As a rule 

 they deposit their eggs in some cleft in the rocks or beneath the 

 shelter of some cactus-bush. The nest is simply a mat of grass 



