LITTLE GULL. Ill 



lays two or tnree eggs, which are exceedingly like jAose of the 

 Common Tern, and vary in the same proportion. Some have a 

 greenish shade, and others rather a pronounced buff, spotted and 

 blotched as in the case of those of the last-named species. Fig. 4, 

 plate XI. 



295. WHISKERED TERN (Sterna leucopareia). 

 Of very rare, or rather accidental occurrence. 



296. GULL-BILLED TERN (Sterna Anglica). 

 Another bird, of which much the same maybe said as of the last, 



297. LESSER TERN (Sterna minuta). 



Lesser Sea Swallow, Little Tern. A pretty almost a deli- 

 cate little bird and not infrequent on such parts of our coasts 

 as are adapted ro its habits. It seems to prefer sand or shingle- 

 banks or surfaces, and lays its two or three eggs in any small 

 cavity which it may be lucky enough to find in the selected place. 

 It is perfectly surprising in many cases how closely the eggs laid 

 resemble the stones and gravel among which they are laid. They 

 are palish stone-colour, speckled and spotted with ash-grey and 

 dark brown. Fig. 5, plate XI. 



298. BLACK TERN (Sterna nigrd). 



Blue Darr. These birds show considerable varieties in plumage, 

 according to sex and age. They used to be very much more 

 numerous than they now are, many of their favourite haunts 

 having been drained or otherwise broken up. Still it is not 

 uncommon, even yet, in some parts of the fenny districts 

 although other Terns build in the close vicinity of the sea, and in 

 dry sites. The Black Tern, however, selects marshy places and 

 often builds in very wet spots, making a nest of flags and grass. 

 The eggs are sometimes four in number, this being the only Tern 

 which lays more than three. They vary much in colour and 

 markings, some being of a palish green, others of a brownish 

 yellow, or dull buff, but all spotted. and blotched with deep brown. 

 Fig. 6, plate XI. 



299. NODDY TERN (Sterna stolida). 

 A bird of only rare and casual occurrence. 



300. SABINE'S G\JLL-(Larus Sabini). 



This, the first of the Gulls which falls under our notice, is only 

 a rare visitor. 



301. LITTLE GULL (Laws ninutus). 



Not only the least English Gull, but the least of all the Gulls, 

 and a very pretty looking little bird. It is, however, only a 

 visitor, though known, of late years, as putting in a more frequent 

 appearance than had been before noticed, 



