NODDY TERN. 519 



primai-y quills tapering but rounded, the first longest, the rest rapidly 

 graduated ; secondaries short, broad, rather acute, the inner more taper- 

 ing. Tail long, cuneate, of twelve tapering rounded feathers. 



Bill black. Iris brown. Feet dull brownish-red, the webs dusky, 

 the claws black. The general colour is sooty brown ; the primaries and 

 tail-feathers brownish-black ; the upper part of the head greyish-white ; 

 a black spot anterior to and over the eye. 



Length to end of tail I6i%, to end of wings 16^^, to end of claws 

 13iJ ; extent of wings 32 ; wing from flexure 10^ § ; tail 5| ; bill along 

 the back If, along the edge of lower mandible 2 J ; tarsus Ys* middle 

 toe 1|, its claw f|. Weight 4f oz. 



