494 Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 



9. COMMON TERN 



STERNA HIRUNDO Linnaeus 



This little tern is seen at the lake only rarely as a spring and 

 fall migrant. We have observed it on the Wabash near Delphi, 

 where we saw perhaps a dozen flying up the river May 2, 1884. 

 We have examined a specimen shot near Adams Mill on Wild Cat 

 Creek, Carroll County, Indiana, October 28, 1898. Our first ex- 

 perience with this species at Lake Maxinkuckee was on May 11, 

 1885, when one specimen, a fine male, was obtained by Sam J, 

 Huntsinger from a considerable number seen on the lake that day. 

 One was seen September 3, 1913, flying over the south part of 

 the lake. 



10. BLACK TERN 



HYDROCHELIDON NIGRA SURINAMENSIS (Gmelin) 



Rather common in spring; noted most frequently between 

 April 27 and May 30 (1901). Not abundant every day, but some 

 days in considerable flocks, flying, wheeling and dipping in grace- 

 ful evolutions and giving fine effects as the sunshine catches dif- 

 ferent parts of the plumage. Sometimes they are noisy, giving 

 vent to sharp cries. Sometimes associated with them in their 

 flights are bullbats, which, in their movements and general build, 

 considerably resemble the terns while in flight. 



This species is often seen also on the larger rivers in the state, 

 especially on the Wabash at Delphi and Terre Haute where we 

 have frequently noted it in the spring. It is said to breed abund- 

 antly in the Kankakee and Calumet marshes. 



In 1899, this species was frequently seen in August and Sep- 

 tember. In 1900 a flock of about 17 was seen July 24, following 

 a heavy rain in the morning, which raised the lake 2! inches. On 

 the next day 10 were seen flying over the lake. One more seen on 

 next day, and several on 29th. On August 7, six or seven were 

 seen, and on August 9, four adults were seen. Two days later 12 

 to 15 were observed and again on 23d, 27th and 30th, after which 

 date no more were noted. On August 27, a large flock of 18 was 

 seen. 



In the spring of 1901, it was seen at the lake on April 10, 13, 

 14, 15, 16, 17, 27, and May 30, also June 8. On April 27 a flock of 

 about 80 was observed swimming on the lake. During the entire 

 month the species was quite abundant. In 1903 it was noted Sep- 

 tember 21. 



In 1904 the Little Black Tern was common on the lake during 



