At a Glance

Among the thousands of Brown Noddies at the Dry Tortugas, Florida, one or two Black Noddies have been found in most years since 1960. This tropical tern, slightly smaller and darker than the Brown Noddy, has not yet been proven to nest there.
Category
Gull-like Birds, Gulls and Terns
Conservation
Low Concern
Habitat
Coasts and Shorelines, Open Ocean
Region
Florida
Behavior
Direct Flight, Rapid Wingbeats
Population
1.300.000

Range & Identification

Description

14" (36 cm). Very similar to Brown Noddy but smaller, slightly darker, with distinctly thinner and longer-looking bill. Edge of white cap may seem more sharply defined.
Size
About the size of a Crow, About the size of a Robin
Color
Brown, White
Wing Shape
Pointed, Short, Tapered
Tail Shape
Long, Notched, Pointed, Wedge-shaped

Songs and Calls

A sharp kit, kit.
Call Pattern
Flat, Simple
Call Type
Chatter, Rattle

Climate Vulnerability

Conservation Status