TERN. NATATORES. STERNA. 469 
other species, when flying in company with them.—It feeds 
upon small fish, which are taken in the same way as by the 
others of this genus; but, according to Montacu, it pos- 
sesses a habit which I have not observed in the rest, that of 
pursuing and persecuting the lesser gulls till they disgorge 
their recent prey, which is caught and swallowed by it ere 
it reaches the water. In the Supplement to the Ornitholo- 
gical Dictionary, Monracu has attached the Sterna Naevia 
of Linnzus and GMELIN, and also the Guifette of Burron, 
as synonyms to this species; but I feel more inclined to 
adopt 'TEMMINCK’s opinion, viz. that they are more imme- 
diately referable to the Sterna nigra, than to the present 
species. [he Common Tern is widely distributed through- 
out the ancient continents and islands, and during the breed- 
ing season is found as far to the northward as Greenland 
and Spitzbergen. 'The species described by Wruson, in the 
American Ornithology, as Sterna Hirundo, is clearly dis- 
tinct, and has by the Prince of Musignano been appro- 
priately named Sterna Wilsontt.—The Tern breeds upon 
the sand or shingle beyond high-water-mark, making no ar- 
tificial nest, but scraping a slight concavity for the reception 
of two or three eggs, which vary very much in colour; the 
ground in some being of a deep oil-green, in others of a 
cream-white, or pale wood-brown, but all blotched with 
blackish-brown and ash-grey. In warm and clear weather 
this bird incubates little during the day, in such situation 
the influence of the sun upon the eggs being sufficient ; but 
it sits upon them in the night, and also through the day 
under a less favourable state of weather. The young when 
excluded are covered with a mottled grey and white down, 
and are assiduously attended by the parents, and well sup- 
plied with food, until able to fly, and accompany them to 
sea. During the time of incubation the old birds display 
great anxiety, and are very clamorous when any one ap- 
proaches their station, in flying round and frequently de- 
scending so near as to strike the hat of the intruder. 
Food. 
Incuba- 
tion, &c. 
