1 ’HE BIRDS OF AUS 1 RALIA 
272 
nest. A depression in the ground; generally on bare ground sur¬ 
rounded with herbage. 
egg. One, varying from white to reddish-white, covered with evenly 
distributed dots, spots and blotches of purplish and reddish-brown and 
underlying markings of grey. The markings vary considerably in 
shape and colour, some eggs being sparingly marked, while others have 
the mailings chiefly about the larger end. Breeding-season: May to 
November. 
21. Little Tern Sterna albifrons Vroeg 
al'-bi-frons—L., albus, white; L., from, forehead. 
distribution. Europe, Africa, and southern Asia, to China and 
northern and eastern Australia (from Derby, north-western Australia, 
to Mallacoota Inlet, Victoria). 
notes. Also called White-shafted Ternlet, Black-lored Tern, and 
Sea-swallow. Usually in flocks, frequenting chiefly inlets and sea 
beaches. Sand-spits near the entrance of inlets appear to be its favourite 
nesting-sites, and it also breeds on beaches of islands near the coast¬ 
line. 
nest. A depression in the sand; generally on sand-spits or beaches, 
just above high-water mark. 
eggs. Usually two, varying from dull white or creamy-white to 
stone-grey or pale coffee-brown, with dots, spots, small penumbral 
blotches of blackish-brown, umber, and dark slate-grey, and under¬ 
lying markings of pale grey. Breeding-season: October to January or 
February. 
22. Fairy Tern Sterna nereis Gould 
ne'-re-is—Gk, nereis, Nereid, sea-nymph. 
distribution. Western and southern coasts of Australia (from 
Broome to Melbourne), Tasmania, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. 
notes. Also called White-faced Ternlet, Little Tern, and Sea- 
swallow. It is similar in habits and economy to the Little Tern, from 
which it may be distinguished by its slightly larger size, paler upper- 
parts, less black before the eye, and bright yellow bill. Breeds in colonies 
in similar situations to those selected by the Little Tern. 
nest. A depression in the sand. 
eggs. Usually two, very similar to those of the Little Tern. Breeding- 
season: November to January or February. 
23. Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana Raffles 
sumatrana— of Sumatra. 
distribution. Tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans, from the Anda¬ 
mans and Malay Archipelago to China, northern Australia, New 
Caledonia, and the Fiji Islands. 
notes. Usually in pairs, or fishing in association with Noddies and 
Bridled Terns, frequenting the islands lying between the Great Barrier 
