TERNS GULLS 55 



more northerly in its breeding range than the common-tern, 

 but the two are found breeding 

 together on the Fames and else- 

 where. Bird of passage. 



Bird. See common-tern, No. 106. 



Nest. Practically the same as the 



common-tern, except that the species 



j n , i , i_ 



is more definitely marine in its choice 



of nesting site. Species breeds in colonies. 



Eggs. More often 2 than 3. Like those of the common- 

 tern, but on the average the ground colour is deeper and 

 the marking bolder. Av. size, 1 '6x1-16, therefore slightly 

 smaller. Laying begins a few days later than in the case of 

 the common-tern. One brood. 



108. Little-tern, lesser - tern [Sterna minuta minuta 

 Linnaeus]. Summer visitor to suitable spots nearly all 

 round our coasts. 



Bird. Length 9 in. While resembling the preceding 

 species in general appearance, it may 

 at once be recognised by its much 

 smaller size, the white forehead, the 

 yellow beak tipped black, and the 

 orange-yellow legs, also by the much j^ig. 68. 



quicker wing-beats in flight, and the 

 sharp excited Kweeks and tiks that are its usual notes. 



Nest. Place : on the beach, though abroad, like the common- 

 tern, the species nests inland on river shingle banks. The 

 nest -scrape, found in shingle or on sand among stones, shells, 

 &c., is less often lined than is the case with the three pre- 

 ceding species. Material : usually shells or pebbles, rarely 

 vegetable matter. Species breeds in colonies. 



Eggs. 2-3. Grey to buffish or brownish, blotched and 

 spotted with shades of brown and underlying ash-grey. Av. 

 size, 1*25 x '92 in. Laying begins end May to early June. 

 One brood. 



(3) Family : Laridce. (b) Sub-family : Larince Gulls 



109. Blackheaded-gull [Larus ridibundus Linnaeus]. Resi- 

 dent and common. 



Bird. Length 16 in. Distinguished from the following 

 species by its red legs and beak. Sexes much alike. In 

 breeding dress the head is brown not black except for a 

 rim of white feathers partly encircling the eye. Otherwise 

 no marked seasonal change. Back pearl-grey. Wings the 

 same, except the outer primaries, which have black ends and 



