syi,<m'im:uim>\ CASPIA. 



CASPIAN TERN. Genus: Syloohblidon. 

 a \ REAT breadth of wing, velocity of flight, and diving powers distinguish this fine member of tluj 



* " laiiiih Sti rii n/ii . 



Although found along the Bhores of Australia generally, tin- species is more numerous about the 

 . t f Tasmania and the islands of Bass's Straits than on any portion of our island continent. 



Frequenters of the mouths of rivers, and the muddy or sandy Hats which are usually attendant 

 features of Buch places, these Terns are usually seen flying in pairs and fishing much in the same 

 Oittnner ;l> dn the larger species of (Julls. It is then that the splendid wing- development of this 

 , I, , |g aeen to the besl advantage; suspended high in air, its keen, restless eye detects a fish far 

 below, and with amazing velocity and unerring aim the bird cleaves the air and plunges into the 

 Water, emerging triumphantly from beneath the surface within a few seconds holding the prize in its 

 powerful beak, and flying to land to enjoy the feast. At other times the male and female bird will 

 be Been in company, skimming the crests of the billows with graceful swallow-like movements, uttering 

 the while in quick succession their peculiar cackling note, which more resembles a coarse laugh than 

 the cry of a bird. 



These Terns resort to the islands in Bass's Straits during the months of August, September 

 and October for the purpose of breeding: at this time they are very fierce, and savagely resent the 

 intrusion within the boundaries of their breeding place of any of the Gulls or Petrels. 



A> the breeding season approaches, the spotted appearance of the crown of the head changes 

 to a hlle of the deepest black. 



Even during the period of incubation this species is not gregarious, seldom more than one 

 pair being found on an island, unle.-s it be of some considerable size or of a rough and precipitous 

 character, when others will seek out secluded spots in the various little bays and indentations, and 

 form nests Dear the water's edge by simply making a slight depression in the sand or shingle. 



Two eggs are laid, of a dull stone-colour, with markings of brown: they are nearly three 

 inches in length by one inch and three-<|uarters broad, but are not very palatable, owing to their strong 

 fish-like flavour. 



Only by the .-mailer size of the female can the sexes be distinguished, as they arc both 

 subject to the change of pluuiage before mentioned. 



Forehead, crown and nape, a rich glossy black; back, wings and tail, ashy-grey, deepening into 

 dark-grey on the primaries; remainder of the plumage, white: bill, scarlet, with a white line along the 

 upper mandible, and a yellowish line along the edges of both mandibles. 



Total length, -J"! inches; bill. 4 inches: wing, inches: tail, (>h inches; tarsi, 2 inches. 



< Occasionally examples are met w ith nearly 22 inches in length, and with fully a breadth of 36 inches 

 from wins to winsr. 



Habitat- : The coasts of Australia generally, and the islands and coast of Tasmania especially. 



