ROSEATE TERN 



72. Sterna (loiif/aUi. 15.5 in. 



This species is the most gracefully formed of the terns. 

 The tail is 7.5 in. long, forked to a depth of 5.25 in. 

 In summer, the bill is blackish, changing to red only at 

 the base. The underparts are a beautiful rosy tint in 

 the breeding season; tail entirely white; feet* red. In 

 winter the usual changes occur, and young birds have 

 dusky edges to the feathers of the "back and wings. 

 Terns are now becoming more abundant on our coast, 

 their slaughter and persecution for millinery purposes 

 fortunately having been stopped in time to prevent their 

 extinction. 



They feed chiefly upon small fish and marine insects, 

 and often gather about fishing boats, waiting for an 

 opportunity to dive after any bit that may be thrown 

 overboard. 



Notes. A harsh " cack " and " tee-arr," like that of 

 the common Tern. 



Nest. Eggs like those of the similar terns. 



Range. Breeds on the Atlantic coast north to Mass.; 

 winters south of the U. S. 



