Graceful and resilient, the Antarctic tern is the only tern species known to breed south of the Antarctic Convergence. With its slim build and long, elegant wings, this seabird is a striking sight against the icy backdrop of the Southern Ocean. In breeding plumage, adults display a bold black cap, white forehead, pale grey body, and a long, forked white tail. Their pointed beak and short red legs add a splash of colour to their otherwise subtle tones. Outside the breeding season, their plumage softens, with a white forehead and darker bill.
Lancaster Cove, Antarctica | Credit: Tyson Mayr
Neko Harbour, Antarctica | Credit: Tyson Mayr
Quick Antarctic Tern Facts
| Scientific name | Sterna vittata |
| Length | 32 – 40 cm (12.6 – 15.8 in) |
| Wingspan | 74 – 79 cm (29 – 31 in) |
| Weight | 150 – 200 g (5.3 – 7.1 oz) |
| Population | 70,000 breeding pairs |
| Species Conservation Status | Least concern |
Diet and Behaviour
Antarctic terns feed primarily on small fish, which they catch with precision by plunge-diving into the water. These agile hunters often skim just below the surface to snatch their prey.
During the breeding season, adults work together to defend their colonies from predators such as skuas and kelp gulls, though eggs and chicks are still vulnerable when nests are left unattended.
Breeding and lifecycle
Nesting begins between October and January, with up to three eggs laid in shallow scrapes lined with pebbles or shells. Chicks fledge between January and May, and parents continue to care for their young for several weeks after fledging, occasionally feeding them during this time. Antarctic terns are long-lived birds, with an average lifespan of 17 years and some individuals known to survive for over 30 years.
