BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE 
271 
Notes . — Also called Southern White-fronted Tern. This species is 
not common, generally being seen in small flocks flying over the waters 
of harbours and bays ; similar in habits and economy to the other species 
of Terns. It breeds in colonies on islands off the south-eastern coast of 
Tasmania, on Auckland and Chatham Islands, and in New Zealand. 
Nest . — A depression in the sand or gravel; generally on beaches, just 
above high-water mark. 
Eggs. — Two, varying from faint yellowish-stone to very pale green- 
ish-grey or pale coffee-brown, covered with irregular-shaped dots, spots, 
and blotches, and a few hair-like lines of sepia and brownish-black, and 
underlying markings of grey. The markings vary considerably, being 
either evenly distributed or large and confluent. Breeding-season : 
November and December. 
19. Crested Tern Sterna bergii Lichtenstein 
bergii — C. H. Bergius, Swedish scientist. 
Distribution . — Indian and western Pacific Oceans, from the Cape of 
Good Hope along eastern Africa to the Red Sea, southern Asia to Japan 
and the Hawaiian Islands, and to the Fiji Islands, Australia, and 
Tasmania. 
Notes . — Also called Swift Tern, Ruppell Tern, Bass Strait Tern, 
Torres Strait Tern, and Village Blacksmith. This is the commonest Tern 
seen on the coasts and inlets of Australia and Tasmania, and next to the 
Caspian Tern is the largest species inhabiting our seas. It is similar in 
habits and economy to the other species of Terns. Breeds in large colonies 
on islands off the coasts throughout its range. 
Nest . — A depression in the sand or earth. 
Eggs. — One, occasionally two, light to dark stone, boldly spotted and 
blotched with rich umber and brownish-black, and underlying markings of 
pale lavender. The eggs vary considerably in the ground colour and the 
shape and colour of the markings, the egg described above being perhaps 
the commonest type. Breeding-season: October to January (Australia 
and Tasmania). 
20. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalcnsis Lesson 
bengalensis — of the Bay of Bengal. 
Distribution .— Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, eastern coast of Africa to 
Durban, Madagascar, and islands of the Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, 
Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Malay Archipelago, and China, to the Aru 
Islands and northern Australia. 
Notes . — This species is much shyer than the other species of Terns, 
otherwise it is similar to them in habits and economy. It may be dis- 
tinguished from the Crested Tern by its smaller size, orange-yellow bill, 
and black forehead. Breeds in colonies on islands off the coasts throughout 
its range. 
