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BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 
On June 2 I found several large flocks of them breeding together, 
and procured a number of their eggs, many of which contained large 
embryos. The eggs were deposited in a slight depression in the 
sand. The female lays from one to two eggs, and I have never 
found over that number, although it has been claimed by some 
writers that three are often found. 
Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. VII. pi. 439. 
STERNA FULIGINOSA . Gm. 
Sooty Tern. 
Adult Male. — Bill, black; crown and entire upper plumage, 
black; forehead, white, extending into a pair of horns, not reaching 
above the eye; under parts, white; outer tail-feathers, white, show- 
ing very dark brown for about two inches on the inner webs near 
the tip ; legs, black ; iris, brown. 
Length 16.50, wing 11.50, tail 7, bill 1.60, tarsus .90. 
The uninhabited reefs and small islands are frequented every 
spring by innumerable quantities of these birds, which find there a 
secure retreat in which to rear their young, undisturbed by man. 
At the Miraporvos whole islands are covered with them. As a rule 
they deposit their eggs in some cleft in the rocks or beneath the 
shelter of some cactus-bush. The nest is simply a mat of grass 
