TERNS—GULLS 55 
more northerly in its breeding range than the common-tern, 
but the two are found breeding 
together on the Farnes and else- aT 
where. Bird of passage. 
Bird. See common-tern, No. 106, 
Nest. Practically the same as the iB. 
common-tern, except that the species Fic. 67 
is more definitely marine in its choice ae 
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 
Linneus]. Summer visitor to suitable spots nearly all 
round our coasts. 
Bird. Length 94 in. While resembling the preceding 
species in general appearance, it ma 
at once be recognised by its muc 
smaller size, the white forehead, the . 
yellow beak tipped black, and the 7 
orange-yellow legs, also by the much Fig. 68. 
quicker wing-beats in flight, and the ; 
sharp excited Kweeks and teks 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. 
ggs. 2-3. Grey to buffish or brownish, blotched and 
spotted with shades of brown and underlying ash-grey. Av. 
size, 125 x°92 in, Laying begins end May to early June. 
One brood. 
(3) Family: Laride. (b) Sub-family : Larine—Gulls 
109. Blackheaded-gull [Larus ridibundus Linneus]. 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 
