cm. 



STERNA HIRUNDO. (Linn. 

 Common Tern. 



With this species, the Arctic Tern had long been con- 

 founded, till their true distinctions were pointed out by Mr. 

 Selby. The Sterna artica is really the Common Tern of the 

 north of England, the Sterna Hirundo being comparatively 

 rare ; nor was I at all aware of its breeding in any of the 

 northern counties until I received its eggs, and the following 

 communication, from Mr. Heyshara. "The Common Tern 

 breeds near the western extremity of RochclifF salt marsh, at 

 no gxeat distance from the junction of the rivers Eden and 

 Esk, in Solway Frith. This is the only locality they resort 

 to in this district, to my knowledge, witli the exception of a 

 few pairs which breed, I believe, almost every year on Solway 

 Moss. In some seasons they commence to lay their eggs 

 about the latter end of May, and fresh ones may be obtained 

 until the beginning of July." This species usually makes 

 little or no nest, laying its eggs, which are three in number, 

 upon the bare grass or sand. It is, I believe, the only abund- 

 ant species on the southern coast of England. 



