( 349 ) 



United States. S. cantiaca, fuliginosa, stolida, and Havillii, are 

 confined to the southern portion of the Union. Eight species we 

 have observed within the geographical range of which we are treat- 

 ing, and it is said that tiie Arctic Tern, S. arctica, has been procured 

 in the same locality — a species I have never met with, either in 

 cabinet or when collecting. 



The present species is common to both continents. It is found in 

 most of the northern parts of Europe during the -breeding season — 

 and according to Montagu, even as far as Greenland and Spilzen- 

 bergen ; and in America, according to Mr. Audubon, its breeding 

 range extends as fur north as the 57th parallel of latitude. 



The Common Tern arrives on the shores of Long Island about 

 the middle af April, and continues in great numbers until the ap- 

 proach of winter, when they all retire beyond the southern limits 

 of the Union. It is a noisy, restless bird ; passes most of its time 

 in the air, coursing over the beach and meadows in search of in- 

 sects, or skimming swiftly over the surface of the water in pursuit 

 of small fishes, which it sometimes seizes without apparently check- 

 ing its flight. At other times it is observed hovering over a shoal 

 of fry — the instant they appear at the surface, it dashes headlong, 

 falling like a weight upon its prey, submerging the head in the ef- 

 fort. It never dives, and although web-footed, is seldom seen 

 swimming, and seems to have an aversion to alight on the water. 

 At the reflux of the tide, it resorts to the bars and shoals, mingling 

 with the Gulls, gleaning minute shell-fish and marine insects which 

 abound in such places. It is of a lively, sociable disposition, mov- 

 ing about in parties, and keeping up a continual chattering. It also 

 appears to have a fondness for the society of the Black-headed Gull 

 — with which it is often seen associated, and, like its companion, 

 though not pursued by the gunner, is extremely timid and watch- 

 ful ; but when any of their number meet with accident, those with- 

 in hearing of its shrill cry flock to the spot, and hover round their 

 wounded companion until driven off by the repeated discharge of 

 the sportsman's gun. The eggs are usually found on the beach, 

 along the south side of the sand hills. They are laid on the naked 

 sand, without any preparation of a nest, other than a slight exca- 



