Sooty Tern : Additional information obtained on Sooty Terns includes 
the measurement of approximately 30 eggs, detailed density counts in 
a 
different habitats within the colony, and a series of notes on the molt 
of returned birds. The returns obtained by SIC#l4,though only partially 
analyzed should be of great significance in understanding the nature 
of the Sooty Tern cycle on Howland. 1934 returns were obtained and 
about 85 % of the returns have data on the presence or absence of a 
brood patch, or whether the return was captured with a chick or egg. 
More than ten interisland returns were obtained from McKean and 
more than ten were pbtained from Phoenix. At least one interisland 
Sooty Tern from Enderbury was recorded and two, whose records seem 
to be valid were from Manana. 
Three Sooty Terns were banded that had small white feathers growing 
from between the scales of the feet. 
Two more birds banded by George Munro or his associates were 
recaptured. One of these birds, 38-312962, captured on July 13th, was 
incubating an egg. The other, 38-312038, captured on July 20th, had 
a well developed brood patch. 
Gray-backed Tern - On July 12, an adult was found on an egg in the 
midst of the Sooty Tern colony. Huber also stated that he heard one 
or two birds flying over during the night. 
Common Noddy Tern - About 25 birds were seen roosting on the northeast 
beach for several days in succession. 
Blue-gray Noddy Tern - A single Blue-gray Noddy was seen sitting on the 
ground on the southeast perimeter of the island at about 1430 on July 12. 
MAMMALS : Very few cats were seen on Howland. The number spotted with 
headlamp at night, even in the vicinity of the Sooty Tern colony, could 
not have represented more than 3 or 4 individuals on any one night. 
PEPTILES : Nineteen specimens of Mourning Gecko ( Lepidodactylus l ugubris ) 
and nine specimens of Snake-eyed Skink were captured and individually 
vialed to facilitate ectoparasite studies. Detailed notes were also 
taken on gecko nests and distribution on Howland. A series of photographs 
of the gecko nest sites was also obtained. 
