51 
Two large clubs were observed, one at each end of the island, in bare sand 
areas near the “beach. The following month a total population of 30,000 
birds, including many Immatures, was estimated. In July 19^5 there were an 
estimated 4-5,000 birds on the island. 
Reproduct ion: Nest burrows have been found throughout the vegetated 
interior of the island, but are especially numerous in bunchgrasS. Nests 
are occasionally constructed above ground beneath the Scaevola or at the 
base of a bunchgrass clump. Burrows seem to be generally about two feet 
deep. The bunchgrass areas most heavily utilized by this species are also 
the preferred nesting locality for the Sooty Tern on the island. 
Adults return to the Leewards in March, but egg-laying does not begin 
until early June on Kure Atoll, 300 miles to the northwest. Hatching occurs 
primarily in August, and immatures are present until November, on Kure. 
The breeding schedule is probably very similar on Lisianski. 
Courting pairs have been observed on Lisianski in March 1828 (Rothschild, 
1893-1900), May 1923 (Wetmore, unpub. notes, 19235, and March 1964- and I 965 . 
Munro (19-4-2) found eggs and a few young in late June I 89 I, Munter (o£. eft . ) 
found the species numerous in March 1915, tut did not find any eggs. No 
nestlings were found, but most burrows contained eggs, in mid-July 19&5• 
No eggs Were found in August and September 1961-, but many nestlings and 
immatures were present. 
Movement : An adult banded on Lisianski in August 1 96 k was recaptured on 
Laysan, 130 miles to the east, in August 1965 . 
Other Specimens -, USNM 300727 , $, 1 6 May 1923; USNM 3 OO 728 , $, 1 6 May 1923; 
USNM 300729, 9, 16 May 1923; USNM 300730, d, 17 May 1923; USNM 30073 I, ?, 19 
May 1923; USNM 300732, d, 19 May 1923; USNM 300733, 9, 16 May 1923; USNM 
300735, 9, 19 May 1923. 
