TERNS 



(72) Sterna dougalli Montagu 



ROSEATE TERN. Under part 

 in summer with a beautiful rosy 

 blush. Bill black, reddish only at 

 the base. Outer web of outer pri- 

 nmry blackish. Tail pure white. 

 In winter the head is white except 

 for a postocular spot of dusky and 

 more or less dusky on the nape. 

 Young birds have more or less dusky 

 or brownish markings on the coverts 

 and back. L., 14.50; W., 9.50; T., 

 7.50; forked 4.50; Tar., .85; B., 1.50. 

 Eggs — Three or four, olive-brown 

 or gray, blotched with black and 

 chocolate, 1.65 x 1.20; in hollows on 

 the ground, sometimes lined TOth 

 grass or seaweed. 



Range — Breeds locally from N.'^B. 

 to Long Island. Winters from the 

 Bahamas southward. 



If possible they will be concealed under weeds or pea vines. 

 The young are handsomely mottled with gray, buff and white. 

 They leave the nest within a day or two from the time they 

 hatch. If disturbed, at a warning from their parents they 

 scamper to hiding places or squat motionless, and it is very 

 difficult to detect them. They catch a great many small 

 insects in the grass and along the beach and also feed upon 

 tiny fish that the old birds bring to them. 



The terns along our shores, except the Least Terns, seem 

 to be increasing quite rapidly in numbers since they are 

 receiving better protection, and the practice of wearing their 

 wings is forbidden. 



LEAST TERNS are the smallest members of this family 

 to be found within our borders. Colonies of various sizes 

 formerly nested along the whole Atlantic coast from Maine 

 to Florida. It is with the greatest regret that bird lovers 

 have seen most of these colonies disappear and others 

 dwindle to just a few individuals. Probably a dozen breed- 



