BIRDS OF THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE 
273 
Reef and the north-eastern coast of Queensland and those of Torres 
Strait. It is similar in habits and economy to the other species of 
Terns. Breeds in colonies on coral islands throughout its range, and 
often in association with the Roseate Tern. 
nest. A depression in coral fragments or in the sand; generally 
placed just above high-water mark. 
eggs. Usually two, white or pale creamy-white, over which are dis¬ 
tributed irregular-shaped freckles, spots, and blotches of brownish, 
reddish, or purplish-black, purplish-grey, or dark umber, with under¬ 
lying markings of lavender. The markings vary considerably in shape, 
colour, and distribution. Breeding-season: September to December 
(north-eastern Australia). 
24. Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata Linne 
fns-ca'-ta— L., fuscatus, darkened. 
distribution. The coast of mid-western to northern and eastern 
Australia (as far south as New South Wales); occurs generally through¬ 
out tropical and sub-tropical seas. 
notes. Also called Wide-awake Tern, Whale-bird, and Egg-bird. 
Usually in large flocks, often in company with other species of Terns, 
frequenting chiefly the seas in the vicinity of islands on which it breeds. 
Breeds in immense colonies on islands throughout its range. Immature 
birds have the feathers sooty-brown above, the mantle being tipped 
with white and the under-parts lighter than in the adult. 
nest. The egg may be deposited on the bare ground or grass, under 
the shelter of a tussock of grass, or exposed on earth, sandy soil, or 
bare rock. 
EGG. One, varying considerably in colour and markings, the com¬ 
monest being dull white or faint reddish-white, spotted, freckled, or 
blotched, more or less over the entire surface, with different shades of 
led, reddish-brown, and purplish-red markings. Breeding-season: 
October to January; throughout the year in dilferent localities. 
25. Bridled Tern Sterna ancetheta Scopoli 
an-ce-the'-ta— Gk, anaisthetos, without sense. 
distribution. The coasts of Western Australia, northern Aus¬ 
tralia, and eastern Australia, to as far south as the Bunker Group and 
Lady Elliott Island; occurs generally throughout tropical and sub¬ 
tropical seas. 
notes. Also called Brown-winged Tern, Panayan Tern, Smaller 
Sooty I ern, and Dog Tern. Usually in flocks, frequenting the seas in 
the vicinity of islands on which it breeds; similar in habits and 
economy to the other species of Terns. Its note is somewhat like the 
“yap-yapping” of a puppy, hence the local name of Dog Tern. 
nest. A depression scraped in the sand, well concealed under a 
tussock of grass; sometimes in a crevice between rocks, or under 
bushes. 
