Antarctic Tern (Sterna vittata tristanensisi)

This is an adult in breeding plumage. This counterpart of the Arctic Tern does not undertake long migrations like its northern cousin, but usually stays close to breeding areas. It is similar to Arctic Tern, but has longer legs and bill and less black in it wings. Also wintering Arctic Terns lack the full black cap of breeding Antarctic Terns. Separation from the similar South American Tern (S. hirundinacea) is even more difficult but that species is not known from Tristan da Cunha. Five or six subspecies are usually recognized, but the differences are slight with much overlap. The validity of some races are questionable. Tristan da Cunha birds are ascribed to S. v. tristanensisi which is in the larger nominate group. It differs from nominate vittata by its larger size (longest tail and tarsus; second longest wing after race gaini); plumage slightly paler gray; and narrower gray band on inner web of primaries next to shaft. Canon PowerShot SX50 HS.