W H I T E - W I N G E D B L A C K T E R N.
SIX VBR-WINOBD BLACK TERN.
Sterna leucoptera, SCHINZ. GOULD.
1 4 " TEMMINCK. YAKRELL.
Sterna—> ? Leucoptera. Leucos—White Pleron—A wing.
T H I S bird appertains to the northern parts of Africa, Tunis, and
other districts', and the southern parts of Europe, affecting the bays
and inlets of the Mediterranean and its islands—Sicily, and others.
I t is very common about the Straits of Gibraltar, and on the lakes
of Switzerland; also in Italy, and is included in the birds of Spain,
Norway, Sweden, and Germany. In Asia, it has been noticed on the
shores of the Black Sea.
One of these birds was shot on the 17th. of May, 1853, at Horsey,
near Yarmouth, Norfolk; a 'material guarantee,' it may be hoped,
for the future occurrence of others in our country.
I n Ireland, one was shot by J. Hill, Esq., on the River Shannon,
in the year 1841; one also in Dublin.
They arrive at their summer haunts in the month of May, and
disappear in July and August.
They feed on dragon-flics and other winged insects, and the fry of fish.
The eggs of this species are three or four in number, with many
greyish spots, and some larger blackish red ones, the ground colour
being dull yellowish olive. They arc of a rotund form.
The male and female birds sit on them in turn, and shew much
anxiety for their safety, flying at and about all intruders.
Male; length, about nine inches, or nine and a half; bill, dusky
blackish, with a tinge of red at the base; iris, greyish black; in
winter there is a black crescent-shaped mark. Head, crown, neck,