n 



COMMON TEEN. 



STERNA FLUVIATILIS, Naum. 



Sterna fluviatilis, Naum. Isis, 1819, p. 18i8; Yarr. ed. 4, iii. 



p. 549 ; Dresser, viii. p. 263. 

 Sterna hirundo, Naum. x. p. 89 ; Macff. v. p. 638 ; Hewitson, 



ii. p. 480. 



Pierre- Garin, French; Gemeine Meerschwalbe, German; 

 Golondrina de mar, Charrdn, Spanish. 



This very graceful bird, which is commonly known as 

 " Sea-Swallow," is a spring migrant to this country, 

 generally arriving early in May, nesting on the sandy 

 and shingly portions of our coasts, and not uncommonly 

 on the pebbly margins of lakes, taking its departure in 

 September or October. During both seasons of migra- 

 tion the Common Tern wanders along the courses of 

 our rivers to long distances from the sea; but, as a 

 rule, breeds in the neighbourhood of salt water. 



The eggs, three in number, are laid, with very little 

 in the way of a nest, on sand or shingle. 



A flock of Terns hovering over and stooping into the 

 " summer sea" is a very interesting and beautiful sight 

 that might some years ago have been enjoyed within 



