Black-Browed Albatross

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.

Black-browed albatross feed primarily on fish, squid, and krill, which they catch at the surface or in shallow dives, often travelling hundreds of kilometres from their colonies in search of good feeding grounds. They are highly efficient gliders, using dynamic soaring to cover vast distances across the open ocean with minimal effort, and are frequently seen trailing ships far from land. On land, these birds gather in large, noisy colonies on cliff terraces and tussock-covered slopes, where pairs reinforce their bond through bill-clapping and other courtship displays. Outside the breeding season, they are largely solitary at sea, though they will gather quickly wherever a rich feeding opportunity appears.