COMMON TERN. 
278 
of tlie lesser tern. This species also is said to ascend 
the course of rivers and to roam more inland than 
the preceding. Many years since wo have shot 
this tom on the river Annan, fifteen mile3 from 
the sea ; and in spring, one or two pairs appeared 
regularly following the course of the stream and 
fishing, but apparently returning seaward the same 
day. Their appearance for a month or six weeks 
was quite regular, darting into the stream, as in the 
sea, after minnows, &c., and approaching clamor- 
ously any one walking on the banks. It has not 
now been seen for many years. 
In a specimen also procured on the Isle of May 
during the breeding season, the proportions of this 
bird aro stronger than those of the last ; the bill is 
vermilion-red for two -thirds of its basal length, the 
end black, the extreme tip yellowish white; the 
forehead and crown not passing below the eye, and 
terminating in a peak on the back of the neck, deep 
black; the back, mantle and wings grey, quills 
with the shaft, outer and half of the inner webs 
blackish grey, the outer web of the first black, shafts 
of all strong and white ; rump and upper tail-covers 
white ; tail long, but not nearly so deeply forked as 
in the last, white, except the outer web of the outer 
feather, which is black ; cheeks, sides of the neck 
and under parts, white, very slightly tinted with 
greyish, and, while newly killed, having a slight 
roseate blush. 
