GULL-BILLED TERN 



63. Gelochelidon nilotica. 14 in. 



Differs from all other terns in the shape of its black 

 bill, which is stout, but with the upper mandible not 

 hooked nor curved, as in the gulls. Tail forked about 

 1.5 in. Adults have the crown black in summer, while 

 in winter the head is white, with the nape and spot in 

 front of eye, black mixed with white. Young birds are 

 similar to winter adults but have the back feathers 

 margined with brownish, and the neck streaked with 

 gray. This species is found only on our South Atlantic 

 and Gulf coasts, and is not abundant anywhere. 



Notes. A high, thin, somewhat reeay " tee-tee-tee," 

 sometimes suggesting a weak voiced katydid (Chap- 

 man). 



Nest. A slight, unlined depression in the short marsh 

 grass or on the beaches. The three eggs are olive gray, 

 spotted with black and brown (1.80x1.30). 



Range. Breeds in Texas and along the Gulf and 

 South Atlantic coasts to Virginia; later, may wander 

 north to New England; winters south of the U. S. 



