AND TYPES OF EGGS. 39 



Sternula, Thallasseus, Onochoprion, Anous). — Terns are as a rule migra- 

 tory, and congregate in flocks during the breeding season. The 

 Caspian tern (5. caspius) does not breed in this country; and the 

 gull-billed tern (G. 'anglicus) only breeds in the far north-west. The 

 marsh terns (Eydrochelidon) breed here and there in India gregariously 

 on weeds floating in swamps. The true terns ( Gelochelidon, Sterna, 

 Seena, Sternula) lay their eggs on the bare sand in the beds of large 

 rivers. The sea terns {Thallasseus, Onochoprion, Anous) lay on bare 

 rocky islands oflf the sea-coast. All the terns lay handsomely marked 

 eggs. 



Skimmers, (RhyncJwps). — Are permanent residents here, and are 

 similar in their eggs, habits, and distribution to the true terns (Sterna). 



Fishers, {Phaeton, Sula, Attagen). — Are all sea-birds which are 

 found in Indian waters, but which are not known to breed on our coasts. 



PeliC£lIlS, (Pelecanus). — Pelicans are widely spread throughout 

 India in the cold weather, but of their breeding here nothing is known. 

 They are said to build on trees. 



Cormorants, (^Gramlus). — Are permanent residents in India, 

 frequenting rivers and large tanks. They are gregarious and consequently 

 local breeders. The breeding of the big cormorant ( G. carlo) is not 

 accurately known ; and this bird is certainly to a great extent migratory. 

 The eggs of cormorants are dull chalky white. 



Snake Birds, (Plotus). — Are permanent residents in India, and 

 are similar in their habits and eggs to the cormorants. 



