1 



S',' 



290 



LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. 



placed in shallow holes scratched in the ground, and are 2.00 inches long by l.G,3 

 broad, of a yellowish stone-color, thickly spotted with ash-gray, orange-brown, ami 

 deep red-brown, but subject to considerable variations in their markings. This bird 

 is said to breed in Scotland, Sweden, Germany, and North Holland, and on islands 

 off Ushant. It is also said to occur in its migrations in various parts of Africa. 



This species was iirst introduced as a bird of our fauna by Audubon, who met 

 with it in Florida in 1832. It was not then known to occur in any other part of tlic 

 United States. In August, 1865, a single stray specimen of this Tern was secured in 

 Chatham, Mass., by Mr. Vickary. I am not aware that there is any other instance on 

 record of its occurrence north of the southern portion of Florida. Mr. Salvin found 

 this bird very common both on the Atlantic and on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, 

 and he obtained several specimens at Chiapam, on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in 

 January, 1863. These were all in immature plumage, and somewhat smaller than the 

 average North American bird, but were undoubtedly s])ecifically identical with it. 



A flock of these birds was first met with by Audubon among the Florida Keys 

 May 26 ; and in their flight and appeiirance they reminded him of the IMarsh Tern, 

 though in their power of flight they are said to surpass that bird. Their cries were 

 loud, sharp, and grating, and were heard half a mile or more. These cries are kcjit 

 up at intervals when the bird is in motion, and they are repeated incessantly when 

 an intruder trespasses on its breeding-grounds, on which occasion it will dash close 

 to the intruder's head with loud and disagreeable outcries. 



When Audubon visited the Key on which this species was breeding many were 

 still depositing their eggs, and none were sitting. Three eggs seemed to be the full 

 complement to a nest. They were dropped on the sand at short intervals, witii 

 scarcely any appearance of a hollow for their reception. All were fully exposed to 

 the heat of the sun, which seemed almost sufficient to cook them. Mr. Audubon gives 

 as their average measurement 2.12 inches in length by 1.42 in breadth. The ground- 

 color is said to be yellowish gray, varying in depth, and all more or less spotted, 

 blotched, or marked witli different tints of umber, pale brown, and reddish. He was 

 informed by the wreckers that they were in tlie habit of watching the birds, and 

 that these spend the entire winter near and upon the Keys, the young keeping apart 

 from the old birds. 



Eggs of this species in the Smithsonian Collection are from Charlotte Harbor, in 

 the Tortugas. The ground-color of these varies from a grayish white to a deep bntf, 

 with intermediate shadings. The markings vary both as to size and shape, and in 

 color from a light burnt sienna to black, intermingled with lavendei--gray ; they 

 also vary from rounded spots to long zigzag lines. Four eggs, selected as tyi)i('al, 

 present the following measurements: 1.95 by 1.40 inches; 2.05 by 1.35; 2.05 by 

 1.45; and 2.35 by 1.40. 



Sterna TrudeauL 



TKUDEAV'B TEBH. 



Sleriut Tnideaui, Aud. Orn. Biog. V. 1839, 125, pi. 409 ; Synop. 1839, 319 ; B. Am. VII. 1844, lOo, 

 pi. 435. — Lawu. ill Buinl's B. X. Am. 1858, 861. — Baiud, Cat. N. Am. 15. 1859, no. 687. - 

 CouEs, Key, 1872, 322 ; Chock List, 1873, no. 571 ; 2d ed. 1882, uo. 802 ; B. N. W. 1874, 67.'). 

 — liiDow. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 684. 



SUma Frohccni, PiiiL. & Lanpd. Wiogm. Anli. 1863, 125 (Chili). 



Had. Southern South America (Chili, Buenos Ayres, South Brazil, etc.). Casual on Atlantic 

 coast of North America (New Jersey aud Long Island ; Audubon & Truugau) 



