Brewster on Terns of the New England Coast. 13 
' 107. Tringoides macularius (Z.) Gr. Spotted Sandpiper. — One 
or two individuals seen on the banks of the Alabama River, in April. 
108. Actiturus bartramius ( Wils .) Bp. Upland Plover. — Sev- 
eral small flocks seen flying over, between March 22 and 28. 
109. Ardea herodias L. Great Blue Heron. — Apparently not 
common. I did not meet with it myself, but sportsmen brought me word 
of its occurrence at irregular intervals. 
110. Ardea candidissima ( Jacquin ) Gm. Little White Egret. 
— Several small White Herons seen at a distance, April 29, were probably 
of this species. It is said to be very common during summer. 
111. Ardea caerulea, L. Little Blue Heron. — Another small 
Heron, of which I obtained no specimens, was quite common during the 
last two weeks of April. It was apparently this species. 
112. Fulica americana, Gm. Coot. — One of a pair shot in the 
Alabama River, April 9. 
113. Branta canadensis (Z.) Gr. Wild Goose. — A large flock 
spent the winter in a cornfield, on the banks of the Coosa River, and left 
for the North about the second week in March. 
114. Anas boschas, L. Mallard. — Specimens seen in the Mont- 
gomery markets. Said to be a common migrant. 
115. Anas obscura, Gm. Black Duck. — Known to sportsmen, but 
considered very rare. 
116. Querquedula discors (Z.) Steph. Blue- winged Teal. — 
Common migrant ; arrived about the last of March. 
117. Aix sponsa (Z.) Boie. Wood Duck. — Common resident. 
118. Plotus anhinga, Z. Water Turkey. — Well known to sports- 
men, by whom it is said to be common in summer. 
119. Colymbus torquatus, Briinn. Loon. — A dozen or so seen 
flying north, in March. 
THE TERNS OF THE NEW ENGLAND COAST. 
BY WILLIAM BREWSTER. 
Among all the sea-birds that with the changing seasons visit our 
New England shores there are none half so beautiful as the Terns, or 
Sea-Swallows. Family Laridce, sub-family Sternince, genus Sterna , 
- — thus they are classed in the books. What a pity their names 
could not have been more aptly chosen ! There is much in a name, 
and Sterna sounds hard and cold. Nor is the English appellation, 
Tern, a whit more appropriate or beautiful. Why could not these 
birds of graceful motion and faultless coloring have borne the name 
