This handsome Tern is of the same form and size as the [Common Tern], but has a darker mantle, and the forehead is white, with a black line extending from the bill to the eye.
Nest.—Is much the same as the [Arctic], but the eggs are somewhat smaller and narrower (1.70 × 1.15).
LEAST TERN.
74. Sterna antillarum. 9 inches.
This is the smallest of our Terns; not much larger than a swallow and in flight are much the same, darting through the air, taking insects the same as swallows, or dipping into the water for small minnows that are showing themselves near the surface.
Nest.—Simply a depression in the sand or gravel just above the water line, with two to four creamy white eggs beautifully marked with different shades of brown and lilac (1.25 × .95).
Range.—Throughout the United States to northern South America, breeding abundantly on the coast of southern California.
BLACK TERN.
77. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis. 10 inches.