Black Noddy - Anous minutus

Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
Genus: Anous

Description

The black noddy is about a foot in length with a wingspan of about two feet. It has black to brown feathers and a white cap. It has black legs and feet; a long, straight, thin, pointed black bill; and a forked gray tail. The black noddy is also known as the Hawaiian or white-capped noddy.

Range

In the United States, the black noddy is found in the Dry Tortugas off the coast of Florida and in Hawaii. It does not breed in the Dry Tortugas. It can also be found in tropical areas of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

Habitat

The black noddy is found on the open ocean and on coastal islands.

Diet

The black noddy's diet is made up of small fish and aquatic invertebrates that are found close to the surface of the water.

Life Cycle

Nests are built in trees and are made with grasses, twigs and leaves. The female lays one egg and incubation lasts about 36 days. Both the male and the female incubate the egg. Both parents feed the chick regurgitated fish. The chick fledges when it is about 36 days old. Its parents continue to feed it for another couple of weeks.

Behavior

During courtship, black noddys bob their heads and exchange fish!