BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 409 



webs red. It may be distinguished from the other 

 members of the Tern family by its rose-coloured 

 under-parts and elegant, attenuated form. It has 

 been mentioned as occupying the same place 

 amongst Terns as the greyhound does amongst dogs. 



The female is very similar to the male. 



Situation and Locality. On the ground, in a 

 slight hollow, amongst sand and shingle, on low 

 rocky islands, such as the Fame and Scilly. So 

 far as the British Isles are concerned, this beautiful 

 bird, as a nesting species, was supposed at one time 

 to have become banished. A few pairs, however, 

 attempt to re-establish themselves from time to 

 time in old haunts, but soon dwindle and disappear 

 if their whereabouts become known to collectors. 

 Even at such places as the Fame Islands, where they 

 are afforded protection, the birds do not appear to 

 make much headway. 



Materials. Sometimes with, and at others with- 

 out, a slight lining of bents. 



Egg 8 - Two or three. " Ground colour creamy 

 white or buff-brown, blotched and clouded with 

 bluish-grey and rich brown," according to Mr. 

 Saunders. Subject to same variations as the Com- 

 mon and Arctic Terns, but a trifle longer than the 

 second. Distinguishable, however, only by the 

 appearance of parent birds. Size about 1.7 by 

 1.15 in. (See Plate XII.) 



Time. May and June. 



Remarks. Migratory, arriving in May and de- 

 parting, probably about the time of the other 

 Terns. Note : krr-ee. Local or other name : none, 

 except Sea Swallow, which, as before stated, is 

 applied to ah 1 the Terns. Gregarious, and not a 

 close sitter. 



