EXTRACTIONS FROM THE UNPUBLISHED SPECIES ACCOUNTS OF A. WETMORE 
PROCELSTERNA SAXATILIS 
young were molting and were not in good plumage. One young bird nearly grown 
occupied a hole under an overhanging ledge where we skinned our specimens. When 
approached it retreated out of sight but at other times rested at the entrance to 
the hole erect and dignified. When the parent came in its attitude changed at once 
and it crouched with lowered head uttering a low sibilant whistle like the call 
of a squab while it picked constantly at the feet and tarsi of the adult. After a 
minute or two the parent regurgitated a small fish which the youngster seized 
from the rock and'swallowed. These terns ranged along small rock ledges in the 
valleys to an altitude of 500 feet but were more common on the cliffs fronting the 
sea. They had one very pretty habit of dropping the feet and then descending 
toward me in a__series of short graceful loops with wings held stiffly at a 
slight elevation above the back. After alighting the wings were flattened 
against the sides to fold them in place. Their call was a low wailing krah-h-h-h 
a mournful drawn out sound. They were £|uiet graceful little creatures that 
rested quietly on the rock ledges or sailed about among the other terns. A 
hundred or more sometimes gathered in little caves sheltered from the intense heat 
of the midday sun. 
Necker Island, June 17-19> 19^5 « Common. Nesting season here farther advanced 
as all young seem to be awing. This species frequents little caves and over¬ 
hanging ledges and does not come out in the high open slopes. Many seem now 
to spend the day at sea and return to roost at night. At nightfall they are 
common about camp but few are seen during the day. 
June 20, 1925 . About 400 pairs. 
La Perouse Rock , French Frigate Shoals , June 27, 1925 . About 20 seen, 5 taken. 
Necker Island , June 2Q, 1925 . No change. 
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Kaula Island , July 1,; 1925 * About 25 seen. One taken. 
Johnston Island, July 12, 1925 . Three found among clumps of grass below a low hill. 
Two taken. 
