Blue Noddy

The Blue Noddy, known scientifically as Anous ceruleus, presents a charming figure with its modest size, measuring 25-28 cm in length and boasting a wingspan of 46-60 cm. Its plumage is a subtle blend of hues, giving rise to its alternative name, the blue-grey noddy.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Blue Noddy, one should note its dark blue coloration, which is the origin of its specific name, ceruleus, from the Latin for "dark blue". Its size and coloration are distinctive markers for birdwatchers.

Habitat

The Blue Noddy is a seabird that favors the open, shallow seas. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, where the waters are warm and inviting.

Distribution

This species has a wide distribution across the Pacific, with sightings in American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Hawaii. It has also been recorded as a vagrant in Australia and Japan.

Similar Species

The Grey Noddy, Anous albivitta, shares a similar range to the south of the Blue Noddy's habitat. These two were once considered a single species but are now often recognized as distinct.

Conservation status

BirdLife International has assessed the Blue Noddy as being of Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.