STERNA. 295 



The eggs of this species are broad to moderately broad oval, not 

 unfrequently somewhat markedly pointed towards the small end. 

 The shell is fine and moderately compact, but has not the slightest 

 gloss. The ground-colour is as a rule dull white, though in some 

 eggs a slight creamy tinge is apparent ; but, taking a series, the 

 white or almost white ground is the most marked feature in the 

 eggs of this species. 



The primary markings in these eggs are rather of a burnt-umber 

 than a sepia-brown, in some cases almost black, in others where 

 paler with a reddish rather than an olive tinge ; the secondary 

 markings are as usual pale greyish lilac. Taken as a body tho 

 eggs are well marked ; if the markings are small, then they are 

 numerous and spread well over the egg ; if few in number, then 

 they are largo and bold, and in such cases very often exhibit a 

 tendency to form a conspicuous zone about the large end. 



They vary from 2-1 to 2-27 in length by 1-45 to 1-6 in breadth. 



Subfamily STERNIN^). 



Sterna caspia, Pall. TJie Caspian Tern. 



Sylochelidon caspius (Lath.), Jerd. B. Incl ii, p. 835. 

 Stema caspia, PalL, Hume, Cat. no. 982. 



Mr. H. Parker is the only naturalist who has found this Tern 

 breeding within the limits of the Empire. Writing from North- 

 west Ceylon, he says : 



" June. Considerable numbers of these birds, mostly non- 

 breeders I believe, frequent the sand banks near Mannar throughout 

 the year. When examining the banks at Adam's Bridge, I came 

 upon a colony of six nests of these fine Terns, containing nine 

 eggs. They were shallow hollows scratched in the sand, from five 

 to seven inches wide and one to one and a half inch deep. Two 

 had a partial lining of twigs and a few shells, but the others were 

 without any. The number of eggs was one or two. The nests 

 were on the highest ridge of the bank, all near together, from one 

 foot to about six feet apart, and not more than a few inches above 

 high-water level. The average size of the eggs is 2*43 inches by 

 1-70. 



" The birds at first circled round for a short time, and after- 

 wards joined a large party of other Terns at a small neighbouring 

 bank, from which some of them made frequent sallies, flying over 

 my head a few times and then returning. Their cry was a hoarse 

 croak or a scream. 



" Later in the day I found a pair evidently breeding at another 

 bank beyond that at which my expedition ended, but I could not 

 spare time to visit it. They came out boldly to attack my men, 

 and made very determined swoops, often coming within three feet 



