440 A TENTATIVE CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS OF 



throughout the region, though it doubtless must occur occasion- 

 ally all aloug the Coast as it extends even to Ceylon. 



983.— Sterna anglica, Mont. The Gull-billed Tern. 



Cold weather visitant as a rule, but Mr. Vidal mentions 

 that it occurs in Ratnagiri during the greater part of the year, 

 and according to Mr. Davidson a few remain in parts of the 

 Decean all the year round. Eggs, however, have not been 

 taken, and I do not think it probable, if any do remain through- 

 out the year, that they breed in this part of the country. It 

 is not included in Mr. Fairbank's list of Decean species, neither 

 have I noticed it about Belgaum, but it doubtless occurs through- 

 out the region wherever there are large rivers or marshes. 



984.— Hydrochelidon hybrida, Pall. The Whis- 

 kered or Small Marsh Tern. 



Not common. Mr. Vidal has not yet observed it in Ratnagiri, 

 though it is included in Major Lloyd's list of Konkan species. 

 According to Mr. Davidson a few remain in the Decean 

 throughout the year, but it has not been observed breeding. 

 I have not noticed it about Belgaum, but doubtless it will be. 

 found wherever there are large tauks and marshes. 



985. — Sterna seena, Syhes. The Large River Tern. 



Probably only a seasonal visitant, though it may breed in 

 some districts. Mr. Fairbank remarks, ei that it is found along 

 the Decean rivers/' but it is not included in any of the other 

 lists, and I have no other record of its occurrence throughout 

 the region. 



987.— Sterna melanogastra, Tern. The Black-bellied 

 Tern. 



Permanent resident in some districts. According to Messrs. 

 Wendon and Davidson it is very common on all the rivers 

 in the Decean. I have also noticed it myself occasionally in 

 the Belgaum district in winter plumage. Mr. Vidal has not 

 met with it, however, in Ratnagiri, neither is it included in 

 Mr. Fairbank's list of Decean species. 



987 Ms.— Sterna albigena, Licht. The White- 

 cheeked Tern. 



Cold weather visitant. A Coast species. Mr. Vidal remarks, 

 (t arrives on the Ratnagiri'coast in considerable uumbers towards 

 the end of September.'" The late Lord Tweeddale record- 

 ed the receipt of specimens from Bombay, and Mr. Hume got it 

 ou the Laccadive islands further down the Coast. It breeds 



