Antarctic Tern

Sterna vittata is a southern tern breeding on New Zealand’s subantarctic islands. It differs from white-fronted tern through its shorter bill, darker grey body and largely subantarctic distribution. Breeding adults have a black cap, red bill and red legs above a grey-white body. Non-breeding birds develop a white forehead and darker bill.

It breeds on the Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes and other southern islands. Rocky coasts, beaches and sheltered bays provide nesting and feeding areas. It plunge-dives for small fish and takes marine invertebrates near shore. Pairs vigorously defend simple ground nests.

The New Zealand classification is Nationally Increasing. Enderby Island and Campbell Island expedition landings offer regular sightings.