COMMON TERN. 77 
separate from the old birds when fully fledged, and do not again asso- 
ciate with them until the following spring, when both are found breed- 
ing in the same places. It seems quite curious to see these young birds 
in winter, during boisterous weather, throwing themselves into the 
remotest parts of estuaries, and even visiting salt-water ponds at some 
distance from the sea, as I have often seen them do at Charleston, 
in South Carolina, when accompanied by my friend the Rev. Dr 
Bacuman. ‘Their plumage is then so very different from that of the 
old birds, that one might readily believe them to be of another spe- 
cies, did he not observe that their mode of flying and their notes 
are the same. Not less strange is it, that on such occasions none of 
the old birds are to be seen in the place, they having remained, 
braving the fury of the tempest, on the outer harbours. In the be- 
ginning of winter, young birds also sometimes ascend the Mississippi 
as far as Natchez; and in the same manner betake themselves to all 
the large lakes bordering the Gulf of Mexico. There, as well as else- 
where, you see them plunge into the water, and instantaneously secure 
their prey, rise as quickly, and dash into another spot hard by, when- 
ever food happens to be abundant. 
I have many times seen the Common Tern suddenly fly up and 
come close over a man or a dog, without the least apparent provoca- 
tion, indeed when far distant from its nest, and then pass and repass 
repeatedly within a few yards, emitting a plaintive cry, as if its eggs 
or young were in the immediate vicinity. At other times, when the 
birds were yet distant from their young, and carrying fish in their bills, 
they would, on seeing a man, round to, drop their food, and perform 
the same evolutions. I, however, know nothing more remarkable of 
this species of Tern, than that it should breed, as I know from per- 
sonal observation to be the case, along the whole of our Atlantic coast, 
in suitable places, from Texas to Labrador. 
When travelling in stormy weather, they skim over the surface of 
the water, moving rapidly and close together ; whereas in fine weather, 
they rise high, and proceed in a straggling manner. Now and then I 
have seen them alight among Tringas of different species, as well as 
among Razor-billed Shearwaters, on outward sand beaches. 
