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COMMON TERN. 



PLATE CCXV. 



Sterna Jiintndo, PEXXANT. MOXTAGU. BEWICK. 



" " FLEMING. SELBT. JExrxs. GOULD. 



THE Common Tern lays its eggs on sand or shingle, making little 

 or no nest beyond scooping out a slight hollow. 



The eggs are variously of a pale blue, pale yellow, green, brown, 

 white, or light dull yellowish or stone-colour, blotted and spotted with 

 grey, dark reddish brown, and blackish brown: three in number. 

 They are laid from the latter end of May to the beginning of July. 



The male bird assists the female in the task of sitting during the 

 day, she taking charge of the clutch at night; in fine weather, how- 

 ever, the heat of the sun seems to be thought sufficient warmth, and 

 the bird leaves them to its rays. Ten or twelve pairs of these birds 

 breed together. The young come forth in fifteen or sixteen days, and 

 are able to fly when about three weeks old. The old ones display 

 much anxiety for their safety, and are very clamorous when any one 

 approaches their station, flying round, and frequently even striking 

 aarainst him. 



