BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 
21 I 
STERNA C ANTI AC A. ( Gm .) 
Sandwich Tern. 
Spring Plumage , Male. — Bill, black, tipped with yellow ; cap’ 
black ; upper back, whitish, rest of upper plumage, pearl-gray ; under 
parts, white, sometimes tinged with rose ; first primary edged with 
white to the tip, covering the entire inner web at the base, and 
narrowing to an almost imperceptible line at the tip ; tail, white, 
forked ; legs, black ; iris, dark brown. 
Length 14, wing 10.50, tail 4.40, tarsus .90, bill 1.90. 
This interesting species is occasionally found in summer. At 
Bird Rock, Acklin Island, they were quite abundant during the 
latter part of May, and were evidently preparing to breed, although 
we were unable to find their eggs. Their flight is strong and very 
graceful, and they dive and fish with great dexterity. 
Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. VII. pi. 431. 
. STERNA HIRUNDO. Linn. 
Common Tern. 
Adult Male . — Bill, red, becoming black on the terminal third; 
cap, black; above, pearl- blue; under parts, white, washed with 
plumbeous, scarcely showing on the throat ; tail mostly white ; outer 
