The grey noddy or grey ternlet is a seabird belonging to the family Laridae. It was once regarded as a pale morph of the blue noddy but is now usually considered to be a separate species.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Breeds on offshore islands and rocky islets, especially around the Kermadec Islands (New Zealand), Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands (Australia), and parts of New Caledonia. At sea it forages over shelf waters, reef margins, and adjacent pelagic zones. Colonies are typically on cliffs, ledges, and occasionally low coastal vegetation on predator-free islets. Outside the breeding season, birds remain in surrounding subtropical waters with local dispersal rather than long-distance migration.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the grey ternlet, this small noddy is a subtropical Pacific seabird that nests in dense colonies on predator-free offshore islands. It feeds by delicate surface-dipping, often around reef edges and in association with predatory fish that drive prey to the surface. It is easily confused with the smaller, more bluish Blue Noddy but is paler, slightly larger, and shows a crisper white facial area. Colonies are sensitive to introduced mammals and human disturbance.
At rookery in northern New Zealand
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
buoyant with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Strongly colonial nester, forming tight clusters on cliffs and ledges. Typically lays a single egg, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing. Pairs show strong site fidelity and return to the same ledges across seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
At colonies gives soft, high-pitched chitters and squeaky calls, especially during changeovers and disputes over ledge space. In flight it tends to be quiet, with brief contact notes around feeding flocks.
