Antarctic Tern
The Antarctic Tern is a small but remarkable seabird native to the Southern Ocean. It is a true globetrotter, with a migratory journey that is one of the longest of any animal in the world. It breeds in the Antarctic region and then migrates all the way to the Arctic to spend the summer, a round trip of tens of thousands of miles. This incredible migration allows it to experience two summers a year. The Antarctic Tern is a graceful and agile flyer that feeds on small fish and crustaceans. It is a testament to the endurance and resilience of life on Earth.
Antarctic Tern
Classification
Aves > Charadriiformes > Laridae > Sterna > S. vittata
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
12 - 15 inches
(30 - 38 cm)
Average Weight
5 - 8 oz
(142 - 227 g)
Average Life Span
20 years
Gestation Period
25 days
Did You Know?
The Antarctic Tern is known for having the longest migratory route of any bird, flying from pole to pole each year.
They experience two summers annually, one in the Arctic and one in the Antarctic.
Antarctic Terns are highly agile flyers and can hover in the air while hunting for fish.
They are colonial breeders, nesting in large groups on coasts and islands.
Their diet primarily consists of small fish and crustaceans.
Antarctic Terns can live for over 20 years.
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