collectively, for there are several species, but all have this 
habit of diving from a height. During the summer months 
one may be quite sure of an opportunity of watching the 
graceful, easy flight of at least three species. For they haunt 
the sea-shore, river, and lake with equal impartiality. Those 
who are on the lookout for terns, for the first time, will easily . 
recognize them. For, in the first place, they look like minia- 
ture gulls, but with longer and more pointed wings, and 
forked tails. Further, all have a characteristic black cap. 
They travel in small parties, as if for company, keeping no 
more than a yard or two from the surface of the water, and 
scanning it eagerly in search of shoals of small fish, or 
crustacea. As these are found one will note a quickening 
of the wing-beat, and a sudden dive, like that of the gannet, 
with half-closed wings. And sometimes, too, the impetus 
will take them completely under water. 
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