BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 379 



resources in the insects which they collect for themselves, ram- 

 bling near the spot, but always attending to the voice of the 

 old bird, when it warns them that danger is nigh. In winter 

 they migrate to warmer regions. 



The Roseate Tern, Sterna Dougalli, has received its 

 popular name from the color of the breast, which, however, 

 soon fades after death. Audubon found them in great num- 

 bers, breeding, on the Keys of Florida, and Nuttall procured 

 one specimen at Chelsea Beach. Its eastern visit was probably 

 accidental. 



The Silvery Tern, Sterna minuta, the same with the Les- 

 ser Tern of Wilson, comes to us in the spring, later than the 

 preceding. It is not uncommon on our shores, where it is 

 seen dashing into the water, like a little fish-hawk, to secure its 

 prey, or chasing insects over the pools and marshes. It some- 

 times goes into the interior, and has been found at a great dis- 

 tance from the sea. They are generally careless and unsuspi- 

 cious, and pay little regard to an observer. 



Bonaparte's Gull, Larus Bo?iapartn, is seen occasionally, 

 early in autumn, on the coast of this State, and its whistling is 

 heard in the air, as it proceeds to the south or inland, to feed. 



The KiTTiwAKE Gull, Larus tridactylus, is common along 

 the coast, from New York to Eastport, though never seen in 

 the interior. Audubon found it in great abundance on some 

 of the islands in Boston harbor. In the air, its motions are 

 light, bold and graceful, sweeping in broad circles at an im- 

 mense height in the air, then stooping downwards to rest upon 

 the waves. It is so awkward on the ground, that it can hard- 

 ly walk ; and it gathers its food, even the shell-fish from the 

 sands, while on the wing. 



The Common Gull, Larus zonorhyncus, is quite abundant 

 on our coast, but it understands the danger of too near ap- 



