i 3 6 COMMON TERN. 



COMMON TERN. 



PLATE CCXV. 



Sterna hirundo, PENNANT. MONTAGU. BEWICK. 

 Sterna hirundo, FLEMING. SELBY. JENYNS. GOULD. 



rriHE Common Tern lays its eggs on sand or shingle, 

 -- making little or no nest beyond scooping out a 

 slight hollow: what there is is placed either by the 

 sea-side, or in marshes, on islands, or by the sides of 

 lakes and rivers. 



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, however, 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 against him. 



