Terns 



tion at the end, and resembling the squeal of a pig; but it also 

 has a short, harsh note that can scarcely be distinguished from 

 the roseate tern's cry. 



In habits the Arctic tern is said to have the doubtful peculiarity 

 of being more bold in defense of its young than any of its kin; 

 first in war, most fierce in attack, and the last to leave an intruder. 

 At Muskegat Island, where great colonies of terns regularly nest 

 and are protected under the wing of the law (see page 50) it is 

 usually the Arctic tern that dashes frantically downward into the 

 very face of the visitor who dares to inspect its eggs. These are of 

 a darker ground and more heavily marked than those of the com- 

 mon tern. Mr. Chamberlain says these terns "may be seen sit- 

 ting on a rock or stump, watching for their prey in kingfisher 

 fashion. They float buoyantly on the surface, but rarely dive be- 

 neath the water." Their nesting range is from Massachusetts 

 to the Arctic regions; and they winter southward only to Vir- 

 ginia and California, 



Least Tern 



(Sterna antillarum) 



Called also: SILVERY TERN; LITTLE STRIKER 



Length — 9 inches. 



Male and Female — In summer: Glossy greenish black capon head, 

 with narrow white crescent on forehead, and extending over 

 the eyes. Cheeks black. Mantle over back, wings, and tail, 

 pearl gray. A few outer wing feathers, black. Under parts 

 satiny white. Bill, about as long as head, is yellow, tipped 

 with black. Feet and legs, orange. Tail moderately forked. 

 In winter: Top of head white, with black shaft lines on 

 feathers. Mantle darker than in summer; a band of grayish 

 black along upper wing, and most of the primaries black. 

 Feet paler; bill black. 



Hange — Northern parts of South America, up the Pacific coast to 

 California, and the Atlantic to Labrador; also on the larger 

 bodies of water inland. Nests locally throughout its range. 

 Winters south of United States. 



Season — Irregular migrant and summer visitor. 



Any of the thirteen species of terns that we may call ours is 

 easily the superior of this little bird in size; but in grace and 



54 



