NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 35 



colonies, like most of the terns, depositing the eggs in the dry sand. 

 It nests on the small sandy islands off the coast of Cape Sable in the 

 latter part of June. Breeds commonly on the coasts of Central 

 America, and on some of the larger West India islands. 



The eggs vary from white to buff, irregularly spotted and blotched 

 with brown, umber, bluish and reddish ; rather pointed ; two or three 

 in number; size about 2.10 by 1.40. 



69. Sterna forsteri Nutt. [685.] 



Forster's Tern. 



Hab. North America generally, breeding from Manitoba southward to Virginia, Illinois, Texas, and 

 California; in winter southward to Brazil. 



I^ike all the terns, this one is noted for its graceful flight and, with 

 them, it shares the name of Sea Swallow — a name which belongs more 

 particularly to the next species. 



Forster's Tern was once thought to breed only in the interior of 

 North America. The above habitat, however, indicates clearly the 

 range throughout which this species is found breeding in all suitable 

 places. It nests on the grassy islands among the lagoons and marshes 

 of Southern Texas, thence northward irregularly to British America. 

 In Manitoba, on the islands and marshes of the lakes and rivers, it 

 nests abundantly. Breeds in colonies, often in company with the 

 Common and Gull-billed Terns, the Laughing and Bonaparte's Gulls. 

 When its nesting places are disturbed it is said to be very noisy, utter- 

 ing a grating, monotonous note, and at the same time attacking the 

 intruder on all sides, often darting close to his head. In some localities 

 this species constructs its nest in a turf of dry grass, upon the sand, or 

 among stones. It breeds chiefly in grassy marshes, building its nest of 

 flags, water-plants, lining them with finer reeds. The eggs are two or 

 three in number, with an average size of 1.85x1.35. In color they 

 vary from nearly pure white and pale green to warm brownish-drab, 

 irregularly spotted and blotched with brown, umber and lilac. 



70. Sterna Mrundo Linn. [686.] 



Commoii Tern. 



Hab. Greater part of the Northern Hemisphere and Africa. In North America chiefly confined to 

 the Eastern Province, breeding variously throughout its range. 



Sea Swallow, Wilson's Tern, Red-shank, "Mackerel Gull" and 

 *' Summer Gull" are the names by which this beautiful species is 

 known in various localities. It is an abundant bird throughout its 

 North American range, breeding on many of the inland lakes and 

 marshes as well as along the coasts. In various places on the Atlantic 

 coast it breeds in company with other species, such as Forster's, Arctic, 



