The Antarctic tern is a seabird in the family Laridae. It ranges throughout the southern oceans and is found on small islands around Antarctica as well as on the shores of the mainland. Its diet consists primarily of small fish and crustaceans. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Arctic tern, but it is stockier, and it is in its breeding plumage in the southern summer, when the Arctic tern has shed old feathers to get its non-breeding plumage. The Antarctic tern does not migrate like the Arctic tern does, but it can still be found on a very large range. This tern species is actually more closely related to the South American tern.
Region
Southern Ocean and Subantarctic Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs along rocky coasts, beaches, and offshore islets around Antarctica and nearby archipelagos such as the South Shetlands, South Orkneys, South Georgia, Prince Edward, Crozet, Kerguelen, and Heard. It frequents ice edges, tide rips, and inshore waters where small fish and crustaceans are concentrated. Breeding colonies are typically on sparsely vegetated shores, boulder fields, and low cliffs with ready access to open water. Outside breeding, birds disperse locally along coastlines and among islands rather than undertaking long-distance migrations.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Antarctic tern is a stockier southern counterpart of the Arctic tern, with which it is often confused. Unlike the globe-trotting Arctic tern, it is largely resident around Antarctic and subantarctic coasts, shifting locally with ice and food availability. In breeding season it shows a bright red bill and legs and a crisp black cap. Genetic work indicates it is more closely related to the South American tern than to the Arctic tern.
Antarctic tern flying over St Andrews Bay, South Georgia, British Overseas Territories
Antarctic tern brooding on King George Island
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile with rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially on exposed shores and islands, often in loose to dense groups. Pairs are seasonally monogamous and defend small territories vigorously, mobbing intruders including skuas. Nests are shallow scrapes on gravel or sand, and both sexes incubate and feed the young. Outside breeding, birds gather in small flocks along productive coastlines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, rasping kerrr and kik notes, especially during colony displays and alarms. Vocalizations intensify during territorial disputes and when predators approach, creating a loud, chattering chorus over colonies.
