Brown Noddy

The Brown Noddy, known scientifically as Anous stolidus, is the largest member of the noddy group. Its plumage is a rich, dark chocolate-brown, contrasted with a pale grey or white crown and forehead. A narrow, incomplete white eye-ring circles its eyes, and its tail is long and wedge-shaped. The bird's feet and legs are a dark hue, completing its distinctive appearance.

Identification Tips

To identify the Brown Noddy, look for its size, which ranges from 38 to 45 cm in length with a wingspan of 75 to 86 cm. Its dark brown plumage sets it apart from the closely related Black Noddy, which is black in color. The pale crown and the white eye-ring are also key features for identification.

Habitat

This tropical seabird is often found nesting on elevated cliffs or in short trees or shrubs. It is less commonly found nesting on the ground.

Distribution

The Brown Noddy boasts a worldwide distribution, inhabiting regions from Hawaii to the Tuamotu Archipelago and Australia in the Pacific, the Red Sea to the Seychelles and Australia in the Indian Ocean, and from the Caribbean to Tristan da Cunha in the Atlantic Ocean.

Behaviour

The Brown Noddy is a colonial bird, engaging in nuptial displays where both the female and male bow and nod to each other. Courtship feeding and flights are part of their mating rituals, including the male presenting the female with a small fish.

Breeding

A single egg is laid each breeding season, which is pink cream in color with lilac and chestnut spots. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the egg for 33 to 36 days. Once hatched, the chick grows rapidly, often reaching the weight of its parents in three weeks. Fledging occurs at about six to seven weeks, with the young bird quickly learning to fend for itself.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Brown Noddy includes small squid, molluscs, aquatic insects, and fish such as sardines and anchovies. It forages by swooping over the water and dipping down to catch its prey. Additionally, it may consume fruit, particularly the screw pine fruit.

Conservation status

The Brown Noddy is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.