272 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
Nest. — A depression in the ground; generally on bare ground sur- 
rounded with herbage. 
Egg. — One, varying from white to reddish- white, covered with evenly 
distributed dots, spots and blotches of purplish and reddish-brown and 
underlying markings of grey. The markings vary considerably in shape 
and colour, some eggs being sparingly marked, while others have the 
markings chiefly about the larger end. Breeding-season: May to 
November. 
21. Little Tern Sterna albifrons Vroeg 
al' -bi-frons — L., albus, white ; L., frons, forehead. 
Distribution. — Europe, Africa, and southern Asia, to China and 
northern and eastern Australia (from Derby, north-western Australia, to 
Mallacoota Inlet, Victoria). 
Notes. — Also called White-shafted Ternlet, Black-lored Tern, and 
Sea-swallow. Usually in flocks, frequenting chiefly inlets and sea beaches. 
Sand-spits near the entrance of inlets appear to be its favourite nesting- 
sites, and it also breeds on beaches of islands near the coast-line. 
Nest. — A depression in the sand ; generally on sand-spits or beaches, 
just above high-water mark. 
Eggs. — Usually two, varying from dull white or creamy-white to 
stone-grey or pale coffee-brown, with dots, spots, small penumbral blotches 
of blackish-brown, umber, and dark slate-grey, and underlying markings 
of pale grey. Breeding season : October to January or February. 
22. Fairy Tern Sterna nereis Gould 
ne-re-is — Gk, nereis , Nereid, sea-nymph. 
Distribution. — Western and southern coasts of Australia (from 
Broome to Melbourne), Tasmania, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. 
Notes. — Also called White-faced Ternlet, Little Tern, and Sea- 
swallow. It is similar in habits and economy to the Little Tern, from 
which it may be distinguished by its slightly larger size, paler upper-parts, 
less black before the eye, and bright yellow bill. Breeds in colonies in 
similar situations to those selected by the Little Tern. 
Nest. — A depression in the sand. 
Eggs. — Usually two, very similar to those of the Little Tern. 
Breeding-season : November to January or February. 
23. Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana Raffles 
sumatrana — of Sumatra. 
Distribution. — Tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans, from the Anda- 
mans and Malay Archipelago to China, northern Australia, New Caledonia, 
and the Fiji Islands. 
Notes. — Usually in pairs, or fishing in association with Noddies and 
Bridled Terns, frequenting the islands lying between the Great Barrier 
