Brown Noddy

1. Bird Name
The Brown Noddy, scientifically known as Anous stolidus.

2. Appearance
The Brown Noddy is a medium-large seabird with a somewhat gull-like appearance. Their coloration is dark brown across the body and wings, contrasted dramatically with their white forehead and partial white cap. The beak is straight and sharp, ideal for their diet, and is of a black color that seamlessly blends with their sleek plumage. As their name suggests, they have a conspicuous dark chocolate brown plumage which becomes paler on their undersides. Their eyes have a molten gold color, which gives them an enchanting look, and the legs and webbed feet are dark as well. Surprisingly, there are no visual differences between the males and females of this species.

3. Size
The Brown Noddy measures approximately 38–45 cm (15–18 inches) in length. The wingspan extends to nearly 75–86 cm (30–34 inches) when fully displayed. The bird averages a weight between 230-270 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Brown Noddies are found across the globe, predominantly along coastal regions of the tropical oceans and seas. They are widely distributed in the Hawaiian and Caribbean Islands, Central Pacific islands, southern Florida, the Seychelles, and the Great Barrier Reef. As versatile seabirds, their preferred habitats are islands and coasts, often nesting near or on the ground amidst rocks and vegetation.

5. Interesting Facts
An interesting behavior of the Brown Noddy is their inclination to hover over surface-feeding fishes to catch their meals. Their name ‘Noddy’ is derived from a unique bobbing dance they perform during courtship. In the Hawaiian language, the bird is known as “noio”, and play a significant role in the legends and folklore of the native Hawaiian culture.

6. Diet
Brown Noddies consume a diet primarily composed of fish and squid, plucking it from the water’s surface without diving.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Brown Noddies exhibit colonial behavior, nesting in loafing groups or ‘noddy colonies’. They have an interesting nesting style, often using their own droppings to build and cement nests on cliffs or tree branches. Their call is a distinct, sharp “kyaah” or “kyow” sound. A fascinating behavior is their agility to glide and navigate through high waves and strong winds.

8. Conservation Status
As of now, the Brown Noddy is listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, fortunately not currently facing any immediate threats to their population.

9. Lifespan
Brown Noddies display a quite impressive lifespan, often exceeding up to 26 years of age.

10. Additional Notes
Brown Noddies are known for their resilience against tropical cyclone conditions. In terms of interacting with humans, there have been instances of Brown Noddies being semi-tame around habituated areas, often showing no fear in human presence. They play crucial roles in their ecosystems as well, contributing to marine nutrient cycles by catching prey in sea and excreting on land, thus enriching the coastal nutrient supply.