What is a brown noddy?
A small tropical seabird (Anous stolidus), the brown noddy nests in large colonies on islands and feeds on fish and squid close to the ocean’s surface.
Why is it called a “noddy”?
The name comes from its distinctive nodding behaviour. Its scientific name oddly translates to “stupid bird,” a label given because early sailors found it unafraid of humans and easy to catch.
Where is the brown noddy found?
Across tiny tropical and sub-tropical islands worldwide. Even outside the breeding season, it usually stays within 100 km of its nesting islands.
How does it feed?
It plucks small fish and squid directly from the water’s surface, never plunge-dives, eats its catch on the spot, and often forages in mixed flocks with other seabirds.
What makes its breeding behaviour special?
Brown noddies mate for life, return to the same nesting site every year, lay just one egg per clutch, and both parents raise the chick, continuing care for nearly 100 days after it can fly.
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