Ornithology of Corsica. 323 



205. Sterna sandvicensis Lath. Sandwich Tern. 

 Giglioli says that this species is abundant and sedentary 



in Sardinia and Corsica. There seems, however, to be little 

 evidence to this efi'ect. Whitehead described it as not 

 uncommon in the lagoons, and was shown two examples 

 which were shot near Bastia, but does not mention the time 

 of year when they were obtained. 



206. Sterna hirunuo L. Common Tern. 

 Whitehead described this Tern as fairly common in winter 



about the port of Ajaccio, and also noted a few on the 

 lagoons. Giglioli (Sec. Kesoconto, p. 629) ascribes the state- 

 ment to Wharton, and adds that it is certainly an error and 

 that autumn should be read for winter. That Whitehead 

 was absolutely right is proved by the fact that Backhouse 

 also noted this species in the Gulf of Ajaccio in January 

 and obtained specimens. 



207. Sterna minuta L. Lesser Tern. 



On May 31, 1909, R. H. Read and I had a good view of 

 a single Lesser Tern as it flew past within twenty yards of 

 us, calling anxiously. This was on a shallow lagoon on 

 the east coast, so that it may well have been breeding in the 

 neighbourhood. 



208. Larus ridibundus L. Black-headed Gull. 



A fairly common winter visitor. Whitehead saw one 

 in full breeding-plumage on April 30, and Parrot received 

 another in May. Giglioli describes it as resident in his list, 

 and, as it is said to breed both in Sardinia and in the Italian 

 marshes, it is possible that a pair or two may nest oc- 

 casionally, but there is no proof of this as yet. 



209. Larus melanocephalus Temm. Adriatic Gull. 

 Giglioli records this species as seen at Porto Vecchio 



on September 26. 



210. Larus canus L. Common Gull. 



A fairly common winter visitor, recorded by Wharton, 

 Whitehead, and Giglioli, 



