278 COMMON TERN. 



of the lesser tern. This species also is said to ascend 

 the course of rivers and to roam more inland than 

 the preceding. Many years since we have shot 

 this tern on the river Annan, fifteen miles from 

 the sea ; and in spring, one or two pairs appeared 

 regularly following the course of the stream and 

 fishing, but apparently returning seaward the same 

 day. Their appearance for a month or six weeks 

 was quite regular, darting into the stream, as in the 

 sea, after minnows, &c., and approaching clamor- 

 ously any one walking on the banks. It has not 

 now been seen for many years. 



In a specimen also procured on the Isle of May 

 during the breeding season, the proportions of this 

 bird are stronger than those of the last ; the bill is 

 vermilion-red for two-thirds of its basal length, the 

 end black, the extreme tip yellowish white; the 

 forehead and crown not passing below the eye, and 

 terminating in a peak on the back of the neck, deep 

 black; the back, mantle and wings grey, quills 

 with the shaft, outer and half of the inner webs 

 blackish grey, the outer web of the first black, shafts 

 of all strong and white ; rump and upper tail-covers 

 white ; tail long, but not nearly so deeply forked as 

 in the last, white, except the outer web of the outer 

 feather, which is black ; cneeks, sides of the neck 

 and under parts, white, very slightly tinted with 

 greyish, and, while newly killed, having a slight 

 roseate blush. 



