General

Black Noddy: medium-sized tern, very dark brown-black with white cap, white (lower) half-eye ring, and long slender bill. Wedge shaped tail has small notch at tip. Sexes are similar. Juvenile appears more brown, white cap is more distinct.

Range and Habitat

Black Noddy: Tropical species, rare in North America. A few, mostly immatures, seen in Dry Tortugas among Brown Noddies. Casual to coastal Texas.

Breeding and Nesting

Black Noddy: Monogamous. Colonial. No nesting material if crevice is used, otherwise dead tree branches and seaweed; lined with shells, rock, and bits of coral. Built by both sexes. One white to pale red egg, tinted with buff. Incubation lasts 34 to 39 days by both sexes. Young remains in nest 39 to 52 days, and is fed by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Black Noddy: Feeds far out at sea. Often feeds in flocks. Eats small fish and squid picked from the surface; also swims in shallow water and dives beneath surface to catch food.

Vocalization

Black Noddy: "Crick crick crick" or sustained "kehrrrrr." Call of first year birds a high thin "suwee."

Similar Species

Black Noddy: Brown noddy slightly larger and lighter, with stouter bill.