Sterna virgata
The Kerguelen Tern (*Sterna virgata*) is a compact and robust seabird, perfectly adapted to the harsh, windswept environments of the subantarctic islands. Measuring approximately 30-32 cm (12-13 in) in length with a wingspan of 60-65 cm (24-26 in), it presents a striking appearance with its dark grey upperparts, clean white underparts, and a sharply defined, deep black cap extending to the nape. Its short, sturdy bill and legs are dark, typically blackish, distinguishing it from other terns i...
The Kerguelen Tern primarily inhabits rocky coastlines, offshore islets, and sparsely vegetated tundra areas close to the sea on subantarctic islands, typically at or near sea level.
This species primarily feeds on small fish, krill, and various crustaceans, typically caught by plunge-diving from the air into the ocean or snatching prey from the water's surface.
Kerguelen Terns are diurnal foragers, spending their days actively hunting over nearshore waters and resting colonially on safe, elevated rocky outcrops or islets. Their primary foraging strategy involves swift, shallow plunge-diving from flight to catch small fish and marine invertebrates, somet...
The Kerguelen Tern has a remarkably restricted breeding distribution, confined exclusively to the remote subantarctic islands of the southern Indian Ocean. Its primary breeding strongholds include the Kerguelen Islands, Crozet Islands, and the Prince Edward and Marion Islands. It is an insular sp...
Least Concern
- The Kerguelen Tern is one of the most southerly-breeding tern species, thriving in the harsh conditions of the subantarctic. - Its scientific name, *virgata*, means 'striped' or 'streaked', possibly referring to faint streaking on its non-breeding cap, though it's not a prominent feature. - Unl...