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projects beyond the upper and this rare Tern-like bird feeds mainly at
twilight flying over the water with an open bill so that the lower mandible
ploughs through the water. In this way it catches insects and small fish
from the surface, while entirely on the wings.
The Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) is a fairly common winter
visitor. Its main colours are ashy-grey and white with some black behind
the top of the head. In summer it wears a black cap and frequents tanks,
marshes and creeks. It feeds on fish, tadpoles, etc.
The Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) is the smallest member of the Tern
family. It is grey above, white below and has orange yellow bill, legs and
feet. The crown and the nape are black. Apart from migrants which come
to Maharashtra in winter, the species was found nesting on the islet of
Uttan Washi in the north-west of Greater Bombay.
The Indian River Tern (Sterna aurantia) has a black head, pale grey
upper parts and white lower parts. It ts fairly common throughout the
State, except in the Deccan. A few birds apparently nest in the State.
The Gullbilled Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) is a grey white bird
distinguished by its black bill, legs and feet. It frequents creeks, mudflats
and sea-shores. It is a common winter visitor to Maharashtra and breeds in
colonies in Europe.
(10) Order Columbiformes.—This order consists of two families,
Pteroclididae and Columbidae i.e. Sandgrouse and Pigeons and Doves.
Family Pteroclididae: Sandgrouse are game birds found chiefly in
Asia and Africa. They are of the size of pigeons, but have short legs with
three front toes partly united. They are gregarious and terrestrial, and are
found in steppes and deserts and feed mainly on seeds.
The Common Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus is a brown and yellow
bird and the male has a chocolate abdomen. These birds are found in open
country and avoid hilly districts, swamps and forests.
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