386 



ORNITHOLOGY. 



the collection of the Philadelphia Academy. The difference will be 

 readily observed on comparison of Mr. Audubon's Plate CCL, with that 

 of Mr. Gould, in Birds of Europe, V, PI. CCCCXIX. 



The present species resembles Sterna arctica, but is larger in all its 

 measurements, and may readily be distinguished by its larger and 

 stronger bill, and in the same manner differs also from Sterna Jiirundo, 

 of the coast of the United States. 



Mr. Peale alludes to this bird as follows : 



" This species is not uncommon along the southern coasts of South 

 America. Our specimens are from Orange Bay, Cape Horn. Its 

 voice, size, and general habits, are so like its northern prototypes, 

 Sterna arctica and hirundo, that it requires comparison to be con- 

 vinced of the specific difference. But the intensely scarlet bill, which 

 has not a black point, like that of the northern bird, the lighter- 

 colored mantle, and the length of the tarsus, destroy their identity. 



" Young birds have the crown and occiput mottled black and 

 white." 



This bird is also mentioned by Dr. Pickering as frequently observed 

 at various localities on the coast of South America, but especially at 

 Orange Bay, as above intimated. Specimens, in mature plumage, are 

 in the collection of the Expedition. We find no name for this species, 

 and accordingly propose the designation above given, fully aware, 

 however, of the difficulties attending such description of proceeding 

 in this complex group. 



5. Sterna fuliginosa, Gmelin. — The Sooty Tern, 



Sterna fidlyinosa, Gm. Syst. Nat. I, p. 605 (1788). 



Sterna serrata, FORST. Desc. An. p. 276 (1844). 



Sterna oahuensis, Bloxham, Voy. Blonde, p. 251 (1826). 



Wilson, Am. Orn. VIII, Plate LXXII, fig. 7 ; Aud. B. of Am. 

 Plate CCXXXV; oct. ed. VII, Plate CCCCXXXII , Gould, B. of 

 Aust. VII, Plate XXXII. 



Specimens from the Pacific are apparently identical specifically 

 with the bird found on the coast of the United States. 

 Mr. Peale mentions it as follows : 



