79. Anous stolidus. 15 in.

Adults with the crown silvery-white, the rest of the plumage being sooty-brown; the bill, feet and line to the eye are black. The plumage of these beautiful birds is very soft and pleasing to the eye. They look to be gentle and confiding, and a closer acquaintance shows that they arc. They will frequently allow themselves to be touched with the hand before they leave their nests. They are abundant in some of the Bahaman and West Indian Islands, where they nest in company with other species.

Notes. - A hoarse reedy "cack" increasing to a guttural "k-r-r-r-r-r-r-r." (Chapman).

Nest. - Of sticks and grasses, placed at low elevations in the tops of trees and bushes, or upon the ground. The single egg that they lav is buffy, spotted with black and brown. (2.00 x 1.30).

Range. - Breeds north to the Bahamas and on Bird Key near Key West; rarely wanders on the Atlantic coast to South Carolina.