96 
STEBNID.t. 
on the Rhine, and the lesser rivers that flow into it, than 
on others of a different nature. 
The Lesser Tern is a migratory species, it arrives on 
our coast in May, and departs again as early as August, 
following the road southward as before enumerated, both 
along the sea-coast, and across the land, along the banks 
of rivers and lakes. Besides sandy and shingly ground, 
this species prefers shallow water, and is consequently 
rarely seen on rocky shores that abruptly form boundaries 
to deeps. The migratory journeys are performed in pairs 
or small parties, both during the day-time and in the 
night, flying at a great elevation, which is proved by the 
beautiful spectacle presented when a person happens to be 
on a suitable spot during the time of migration, where 
a party of these Terns come down to the ground for the 
sake of rest, and soon after taking wing again and rising 
up in the air, disappear in an incredibly short time, mounting 
to an elevation that takes them entirely out of sight. 
The present species is a very beautiful creature when 
seen alive in its natural state, but its exquisite and delicately 
coloured plumage and clean appearance are never repre¬ 
sented in a stuffed specimen, nor ever enjoyed after death ; 
its habits are like those of other terns ; its flight is elegant 
and light, but during stormy weather it frequently sits 
on the ground, and generally facing the wind, in order 
to avoid having its plumage ruffled. This bird is sociable 
among its own species, careful of danger, but where it 
becomes accustomed to the presence of men, it may easily 
be approached within gunshot, although it is ever shy after- 
having once been fired at. 
Its call-note, which it frequently utters, sounds like 
o'eck, crech! in a high pitch, but not so inharmonious 
as other terns. 
