GULLS AND TERNS. 53 



(which it closely resembles in size and general 

 appearance), by its grayer under parts and per- 

 ceptibly longer outermost tail feathers. Like all 

 its congeners, the Arctic Tern is a summer migrant 

 to the British seas and coasts, arriving from the 

 south late in April or early in May. It prefers 

 very similar haunts to those of the preceding 

 species low rocky islands with sandy or shingly 

 beaches, and with a fair amount of grass and other 

 marine vegetation upon them. It is equally 

 gregarious in its habits, breeding in colonies, and 

 returning regularly to certain districts to rear its 

 young. Its slenderer form, and proportionately 

 longer wings and tail, make it even more elegant 

 looking in the air than its congener. It catches 

 its food in the same Hawk-like or Gannet-like 

 manner, pouncing down into the water and seizing 

 the tiny fish as they swim near the surface. No 

 Tern dives, and it is certainly exceptional for the 

 bird completely to immerse itself; usually it flutters 

 on the surface for a moment, then rises again. 

 Small fish and crustaceans form the principal food 

 of this species. Its note is very similar to that of 

 the preceding Tern a shrill and monotonous 

 krick, often prolonged into two syllables. 



The nesting season of this Tern begins in June, 

 and fresh eggs may be found throughout that 

 month. Rocky islands seem everywhere to be 

 preferred for nesting places, and the same habit of 

 changing the exact hatching ground prevails in this 



