37 



SOOTY TERN. 



Sterna fuJiginoto, LATHAM. WILSON. BuoXAPAKTE. 



AnDUBON. NljTTALL. 

 Onychoprion fuliginosus, GoULU. 



Sterna ? Fuliginosa Dusky smoky. 



Tins Tern is mentioned as visiting Georgia, Florida, and 

 Cuba, also Bermuda, the Island of Ascension, Christmas Island, 

 and the Tortugas. Audubon relates a murderous onslaught 

 made on the birds there by some sailors who were with him, 

 reminding one of the proceedings at the same place of the 

 Bucaniers. It belongs, moreover, to Australia and the islands 

 of the South Seas. In Europe it has. occurred in Germany. 



A Tern of this species was shot in October, 1852, at 

 Tutbury, near Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, and was secured 

 for the collection of H. W. Des Vseux, Esq., of Drakelow Hall. 



In Ireland, two have been procured at Wexford. 



They are migratory in their movements, arriving in May, 

 and leaving again by the end of August. 



These birds assemble in vast numbers in the closest com- 

 panionship and seeming friendship. They have been met with 

 three hundred miles from land: 'How little do they think upon 

 the dangers of the seas!' Some, however, have appeared 

 fatigued, settling on the rigging of ships. 



They hover, it is said, at times close to the water, when 

 seeking for food. 



They prey on small fish. 



No nest is formed, but the eggs are laid in the sand under 

 trees near the sea-shore, the birds scratching a hollow with 

 their feet, and frequently fitting themselves into it to see 

 that it will answer the purpose. 



The eggs are smooth, and of a pale cream colour, slightly 



