BLACK TERN. 161 
blotched as in the case of those of the last-named species.—Fig. 4, 
plate ATI, 
295. WHISKERED TERN—(Sternaé leucopareia). 
Of very rare, or rather accidental occurrence. 
296. GULL-BILLED TERN—(Sterna Anglicd): 
Another bird, of which much the same may be said as of the last. 
297. LESSER TERN—(Sterna mizuta). 
Lesser Sea Swallow, Tittle Tern—aA pretty—almost a deli- 
cate—little bird, and not infrequent on such parts of our coasts 
as are adapted io its habits. It seems to prefer sand or shingle- 
banks or surfaces, and lays its two or three eggs in any small 
cavity which it may be lucky enough to find in the selected place. 
It is perfectly surprising in many cases how closely the eggs laid 
resemble the stones and gravel among which they are laid. They 
are palish stone-colour, speckled and spotted with ash-grey and 
dark brown.—J%g. 5, plate XT. 
298. BLACK TERN—(Sterna nigra). 
Blue Darr.—These birds show considerable varieties in plumage, 
according to sex and age. They used to be very much more 
numerous than they now are, many of their favourite haunts 
having been drained or otherwise broken up. Stil it is not 
uncommon, even yet, in some parts of the fenny districts— 
although other Terns build in the close vicinity of the sea, and in 
dry sites. The Black Tern, however, selects marshy places and 
often builds in very wet spots, making a nest of flags and grass. 
The eggs are sometimes four in number, this being the only Tern 
which lays more than three. They vary much in colour and 
markings, some being of a palish green, others of a brownish 
yellow, or dull buff, but all spotted and blotched with deep brown, 
Fig. 6, plate XT. 
