290 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. 



placed ill shallow holes scratched in the ground, and are 2.00 inches long by 1.63 

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

 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 lirst 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 the 

 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 specifically 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 appearance they reminded him of the Marsh Tern, 

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

 loud, sharp, and grating, and Avere heard half a mile or more. These cries are kept 

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

 an intruder trespasses on its breeding-grounds, on Avhich 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, with 

 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 with different tints of umber, pale brown, and reddish. He was 

 informed by the wreckers that they Avere in the habit of Avatching 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 Avhite to a deep buff, 

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

 color from a light burnt sienna to black, intermingled Avith lavender-gray ; they 

 also vary from rounded spots to long zigzag lines. Four eggs, selected as typical, 

 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 Trudeaui. 



TRUDEAU'S TERN. 



Sterna Trudeaui, Aud. Orn. Biog. V. 1839, 125, pi. 409 ; Synop. 1839, 319 ; B. Am. VIT. 1844, 105, 

 ])1. 435. — Lawii. ill Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 861. — Baiud, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 687. — 

 CouEs, Key, 1872, 322 ; Check List, 1873, no. 571 ; 2d ed. 1882, no. 802 ; B. N. W. 1874, 675. 

 — Kinow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no, 684. 



Sterna Frohceui, Phil. & Landb. Wiegm. Areli. 1863, 125 (Chili). 



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

 coast of North America (New Jersey and Long Island ; Audubon & Trudeau). 



