BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE 271 
notes. Also called Southern White-fronted Tern. This species is 
not common, generally being seen in small flocks flying over the waters 
of harbours and bays; similar in habits and economy to the other 
species of Terns. It breeds in colonies on islands off the south-eastern 
coast of Tasmania, on Auckland and Chatham Islands, and in New 
Zealand. 
nest. A depression in the sand or gravel; generally on beaches, just 
above high-water mark. 
eggs. Two, varying from faint yellowish-stone to very pale green¬ 
ish-grey or pale coffee-brown, covered with irregular-shaped dots, spots, 
and blotches, and a few hair-like lines of sepia and brownish-black, 
and underlying markings of grey. The markings vary considerably, 
being either evenly distributed or large and confluent. Breeding- 
season: November and December. 
19. Crested Tern Sterna bergii Lichtenstein 
bergii—C. H. Bergius, Swedish scientist. 
distribution. Indian and western Pacific Oceans, from the Cape of 
Good Hope along eastern Africa to the Red Sea, southern Asia to 
Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, and to the Fiji Islands, Australia, 
and Tasmania. 
notes. Also called Swift Tern, Ruppell Tern, Bass Strait Tern, 
Torres Strait Tern, and Village Blacksmith. This is the commonest 
Tern seen on the coasts and inlets of Australia and Tasmania, and 
next to the Caspian Tern is the largest species inhabiting our seas. It 
is similar in habits and economy to the other species of Terns. Breeds 
in large colonies on islands off the coasts throughout its range. 
nest. A depression in the sand or earth. 
eggs. One, occasionally two, light to dark stone, boldly spotted and 
blotched with rich umber and brownish-black, and underlying mark¬ 
ings of pale lavender. The eggs vary considerably in the ground colour 
and the shape and colour of the markings, the egg described above 
being perhaps the commonest type. Breeding-season: October to Janu¬ 
ary (Australia and Tasmania). 
20. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis Lesson 
bengalensis —of the Bay of Bengal. 
distribution. Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, eastern coast of Africa 
to Durban, Madagascar, and islands of the Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, 
Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Malay Archipelago, and China to the 
Aru Islands and northern Australia. 
notes. This species is much shyer than the other species of Terns, 
otherwise it is similar to them in habits and economy. It may be dis¬ 
tinguished from the Crested Tern by its smaller size, orange-yellow 
bill, and black forehead. Breeds in colonies on islands off the coasts 
throughout its range. 
