42 THE CONDOR Vol. XXIV 
three eggs, and the eges were distinguished from those of the Common Tern 
by the depth of green color and the numerous small black markings. This spe- 
cies is less demonstrative than either the Gull-billed or the Common Tern. Its 
voice resembles somewhat that of the Common but can easily be distinguished 
from it. This point marks the southern limit of the breeding range of this 
species. 1a 
The Least Tern was present in large numbers on two islands, the western 
and the northern. Why it was not present on the southern is a question, but 
I assume it to be because of the presence there of the vicious Caspian Tern, 
which here took the ‘‘place in the sun’? usually occupied by some gull in other 
water-bird colonies, This little tern nested in a peeuliar manner, all nests being 
strung out in a ragged line follewing a line of flotsam of all descriptions de- 
marking a former high water. This line was perhaps thirty-five feet from the 
shore. The nests were about twenty-five feet apart and consisted solely in a 
slich! depressicn im the earth which had been worn by the bird in its frequent 
turnings. A few had meager ornamentation in the form of some bits of broken 
shells placed near the nest but not arranged concentrically about it. On May 
Fig. 18. Eco rieLp or tuk Roya AND CaABbor TERNS, EGGS OF THE LATTER BEING ON THE FAR 
SIDE AND TO TILE RIGHT OF CENTER LINE, No EGGS OF THE CABOT TERN INSIDE THE ROYAL 
TERN FIELD. 
16 every nest contamed two eggs nearly fresh. On the 23rd no young had yet 
appeared, but on June 5 Mr. Camp found a few small downy young. 
The Least Tern is quite alert when on the nest, leaving it to fly at the in- 
truder long before he is near the nest. At the first ery of alarm all the terns 
leave their nests and fleek about the cause of the disturbance ; but they shortly 
fly back to watch over their own eges, indicating by their hovering where their 
nest is. Attacks are made at one’s head by the owners of the nearest nest only, 
adjacent nest owners takine up the fight where the others leave off, as one 
walks along through the colony. This bird does not Ike t+ be looked at and 
will maneuver so as to get in the rear before making its furious dash at one’s 
head. The male of this graceful species has a habit of brineine small fish 
to the female. The male alights on the sand at some slivht distance from the 
female and walks slowly teward her. When he reaches her he shows the fish 
and then encircles her several times, gently teasing her, but finally presents if 
to her. I saw this performance many times and never tired of watching it. 
The Caspian Terns oceupied only the southern mud shoal island. There 
were probably less than 100 pairs. They occupied a distinet area, a rather 
