A BIRDLOVER'S YEAR 



The common tern closely resembles the 

 arctic, the difference being that the former 

 is slightly less slender in build, its under 

 parts are dull white instead of pale gray, 

 and its beak is tipped with black and is 

 coral red instead of blood red. 



The Roseate Tern (Sterna dougalli) has a 

 slightly slimmer body, shorter and narrower 

 wings and a greater length of tail, whilst 

 the under plumage is tinged with a peculiarly 

 delicate rose colour. This bird is becoming 

 a rare visitor to the British coast, and 

 has abandoned many of its old breeding 

 stations, so that it is no longer often to be 

 seen. 



The Little or Lesser Tern (Sterna minuta) 

 measures about eight inches in length, the 

 forehead and under-parts are pure white in 

 colour and the bill orange with black 

 tip. This species is much less numerous 

 than either the arctic or common tern, 

 though in habits they closely resemble each 

 other. 



The Sandwich Tern (Sterna cantiaca) is 

 the largest of the British terns. It has a 

 heavier flight, whilst its wings beat more 

 rapidly. On the Fame Islands where pro- 

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