SOOTY TERN. 229 



among them. The species is migratory, however, even in 

 these mild cHmates. 



Along the coasts of Georgia and Florida Wilson observed 

 these Terns in numerous flocks in the month of July. They 

 were very noisy, and darted down headlong after small fish. 

 Birds of this species frequently settle on the rigging of ships at 

 sea, and, in common with their relatives, are called Noddies by 

 the sailors. 



The Sooty Tern occurs regularly north to the Carolinas, and oc- 

 casionally wanders to the shores of Massachusetts. It is almost 

 exclusively a sea-bird, feeding chiefly upon fish, which it catches by 

 swooping to the surface, not by dropping into the water. It rarely 

 floats upon the water, but its flight is powerful and rapid. 



" It breeds in colonies in little-frequented islands in the West 

 Indies, and may be seen fishing in flocks which hover low over the 

 water'' (Chapman). 



Note. — A few examples of the White-winged Black Tern 

 {H. leucopterd) have wandered to America. One was taken by 

 Professor Kumlien in Wisconsin, and six were seen by Professor 

 Macoun on a lake near Winnipeg. 



