The black noddy, also known as white-capped noddy, is a species of tern in the family Laridae. It is a medium-sized seabird with black plumage and a white cap that closely resembles the lesser noddy with which it was at one time considered conspecific. The black noddy has slightly darker plumage and dark rather than pale lores.
Region
Tropical oceans worldwide
Typical Environment
The black noddy occurs throughout the tropical Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, breeding on remote coral cays and volcanic islands. It prefers marine environments close to productive waters, often around atolls, lagoons, and island shelves. Colonies are typically located in coastal vegetation or on cliff ledges with nearby access to foraging grounds. Outside breeding, birds range widely over warm seas, sometimes dispersing far from colonies. They rarely venture far into cooler waters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the white-capped noddy, this tropical tern nests colonially on remote oceanic islands, often in trees such as Pisonia. It feeds by surface-dipping, taking small fish and squid near the water’s surface. Black noddies are notably tame at breeding colonies and will often tolerate close approach. They were once considered conspecific with the lesser noddy but differ by their darker plumage and dark lores.
Temperament
social and colonial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, shallow wingbeats; occasional glides
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies, often nesting in trees or shrubs where pairs build simple stick platforms. Pairs are largely monogamous and typically lay a single egg, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing. Outside the breeding season, birds roost communally and may form mixed flocks with other terns and noddies.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, with chattering, ticking, and nasal calls used in close-range communication at colonies. Adults give gentle contact notes when exchanging incubation duties and harsher scolds during territorial disputes.
