WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN. 



SILVER-WINGED BLACK TERN. 



Sterna leucoptera, SCHINZ. GOULD. 



" " TEMMINCK. YARRKLL. 



Sterna ? Leucoptera. Leucos White. Pteron A wing. 



THIS bird appertains to the northern parts of Africa, Tunis, 

 and other districts, and the southern parts of Europe, affecting 

 the bays and inlets of the Mediterranean and its islands 

 Sicily, and others. It is very common about the Straits of 

 Gibraltar, and on the lakes of Switzerland; also in Italy, and 

 is included in the birds of Spain, Norway, Sweden, and Germany. 

 In Asia, it has been noticed on the shores of the Black Sea. 



One of these birds was shot on the 17th. of May, 1853, at 

 Horsey, near Yarmouth, Norfolk; a 'material guarantee,' it 

 may be hoped, for the future occurrence of others in our 

 country. 



In Ireland, one was shot by J. Hill, Esq., on the Eiver 

 Shannon, in the year 1841; one also in Dublin. 



They arrive at their summer haunts in the month of May, 

 and disappear in July and August. 



They feed on dragon-flies and other winged insects, and the 

 fry of fish. 



The eggs of this species are three or four in number, with 

 many greyish spots, and some larger blackish red ones, the 

 ground colour being dull yellowish olive. They are of a 

 rotund form. 



The male and female birds sit on them in turn, and shew 

 much anxiety for their safety, flying at and about all intruders. 



Male; length, about nine inches, or nine and a half; bill, 

 dusky blackish, with a tinge of red at the base; iris, greyish 



