GENUS STERNA (Linnceus). 



rflHREE species of this genus inhabit Australia, and, as now restricted, are universally diffused over 

 ' the seas of the <dohe. The colouring of these Terns is particularly delicate and beautiful. 



STERNA MELANAUCHEN (Temminch). 



II LA( 'A' X. I FED TERN. Genus : Sterna. 



■ OVINQ the warmth of the tropic seas and islands of the East Indian Archipelago, this beautifu 

 ^ Tern, which is distinguished from all the other members of the genus by the pearly-grey crown 

 of the head, is also a freipient visitor to the northern coasts of Australia. 



The breeding places of this species arc said to be the islands of the Malayan Peninsula and 

 the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean; but a small nursery of the birds was discovered by Mr. 

 Macgillivray on one of the sandbanks near Sir Charles Hardy's Islands in Torres Straits. About the 

 islands of the Louisiade Archipelago also these Terns are met with, and although not yet discovered, 

 there is doubtless a breeding place somewhere in that group or on the southern coast of New Guinea. 



In tin- mode of procuring food and habits in general this species presents no marked difference 

 to the other Terns, except that it is excessively shy, cannot be captured by a hook and line, can but 

 rarely be approached near enough to be shot unless during the breeding season, and is a very noisy bird. 



W hen patrolling the reefs and sandbanks in search of food, the number of a '-flock seldom 

 exceeds eight or ten. 



Two eggs, of a dull cream colour, mottled with brownish marks, are deposited in a slight 



depression formed in the sand or shingle. The plumage of the young birds seen by Mr. Maegillivray 

 "ii Sir Charles Hardy's Islands differed from the adult bird in having the back markings on the head 



a brown mottled with white; and this is considered by Mr. Blyth to show the affinity of this 



species to the genus Onychoprion. 



In J ava and other parts of the East Indian Archipelago this Tern is called "Toyang Kacha." 



No outward difference was discernible by Gould in the sexes; but he was of the opinion 

 that, in common with other members of the family, this species undergoes changes of plumage, and that 

 consequently at some seasons of the year the black mark at the occiput is more subdued in colour 

 than at others. 



Crown of the head, pearl grey ; neck and under surface, white, with a greyish tinge on the 

 breast ; a gorget-shaped mark commencing immediately before the eye and extending over the nape, 

 black; upper surface, wings and tail, a rich silvery grey; bill, black; feet, dark brown. 



Habitats : The islands about Torres Straits ; and thence along the northern shores of Australia 

 to the Celebes and Moluccas. 



