214 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. 
fio, Aud: Bds, NA Vol. VIL pls 430: 
STERNA FULIGINOSA. Gm. 
Sooty TERN. 
Adult Male. 
black; forehead, white, extending into a pair of horns, xot reaching 
Bill, black; crown and: entire upper plumage, 
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 .go. 
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. Asa 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 
