Blue Noddies

It was formerly grouped with the Grey Noddy (Procelsterna albivitta) — however, most authorities now consider them separate species based on significant differences in size, coloration and geographical range.

Alternate (Global) Names

Chinese: ???? … Czech: nody šedý … German: Blaunoddi … Danish: Grå Noddy … Dutch: Grijze Noddy … Finnish: tuhkatiira … French: Noddi bleu … Italian: Sterna stolida blu-grigia … Japanese: Haiiroajisashi / ???????? … Norwegian: Blånoddy … Polish: rybitwa polinezyjska … Slovak: nody modrý … Spanish: Tiñosa Azulada … Swedish: Blå noddy

Description

The Blue Noddy measures 9.8–11 inches (25– 28 cm) in length and has a wingspan of 18–23.6 inches (46–60 cm). The average weight is 2.4 oz or 69 grams.

The Blue Noddy has a mostly pale plumage, with an all-grey head and upper plumage. The plumage below is paler than the upper plumage. The upper wings are a little darker in color. The short tail is shallowly forked.

The eyes are black and appear large due to the black patches in front of them. They have white patches behind the eyes. There is a white patch behind the eye. The black bill is thin and pointed. The legs and feet are black except of the pale yellow webs.

Males and females look alike.

Immature birds have a browner plumage and darker, more contrasting flight feathers.

Subspecies and Distribution:

• • • Procelsterna cerulea cerulea (F. D. Bennett, 1840) – Nominate Race
      • Range: Kiritimati or Christmas Island and Marquesas Island

   

  • • Procelsterna cerulea saxatilis (W. K. Fisher, 1903)
      • Range: Marcus Island and northern Marshall Island east to northwestern Hawaiian Islands

   

  • • Procelsterna cerulea nebouxi (Mathews, 1912)
      • Range: Tuvalu (Ellice Island), east to Phoenix Island; south to Fiji, and Western Samoa.

   

  • • Procelsterna cerulea teretirostris (Lafresnaye, 1841)
      • Range: Tuamotu Island; probably also occurs on Cook, Austral and Society Islands

   

  • Procelsterna cerulea murphyi (Mougin and de Naurois, 1981)
    • Range: Gambier Islands

Distribution / Range

Blue Noddies can be found mainly on tropical islands such as American Samoa and Cook Islands. They are also present in the Marshall Islands, New Caledonia New Zealand, Samoa (Niua), Lord Howe Island off Australia, Tuvalu, Chile Norfolk Islands, Pitcairn, and Hawaiian Islands. The Blue Noddies are rare vagrants on Australia and Tuvalu.

The species is found in shallow, open seas of tropical and subtropical areas. They roost and breed on steep cliffs, and to a lesser degree, under bushes, on beaches or on sheltered, rocky terrain.

Blue Noddies can be found in tropical and semitropical areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Their distribution ranges from the east coast of Africa up to the Hawaiian Islands. They prefer to live on small, rocky coral reefs and islands, as they provide a safe nesting place and have easy access to marine foods.

Blue Noddies are migratory birds, and their populations move between regions in response seasonal changes in environmental conditions and food availability. During breeding season, Blue Noddies congregate on remote islands where they raise their young and build nests. These colonies may number hundreds, or even thousands of birds, nesting in rocks, trees or on the ground.

Blue Noddies generally prefer nesting locations that are away from humans and predators. Its preference to nest on remote islands makes it less vulnerable to human intrusion. However, certain populations are affected by invasive species such as cats and rats, which feed on eggs, chicks and adults.

Calls / Vocalizations

The Blue Noddy is usually quiet. Its call is a soft, purring sound.

Diet / Feeding

Blue Noddys are piscivorous birds, meaning they eat primarily fish. The Blue Noddy feeds by diving from the air into the ocean, and using its sharp beak to catch marine invertebrates and small fish. The bird can dive from great heights and catch prey with incredible precision. Blue Noddys hunt in shallow water, where they can spot small fish and planktonic organisms.

Blue Noddies also feed on other marine animals, including crustaceans, squid and even octopus, when the fish population is low. The birds are often seen foraging in the open sea, where they fly to find food or travel with others to dive together and catch prey. Its feeding behaviour is efficient and allows it to maintain its high metabolism.

Blue Noddies are often found hunting alone or in small groups. Each bird takes turns diving to catch food. The birds may follow fishing boats and use the disturbance created by the human activity in order to capture fish. This adaptive and resourceful feeding behavior shows how adaptable the bird is.

Breeding / Nesting

The Blue Noddies’ breeding season varies by location. In Australia, breeding activities typically commence in September; in Kiritimati most breeding activities occur between August to November; in the Phoenix Islands between June and August; and in Hawaii, they breed year round, however, the egg-laying peak is from February to March.

They breed in colonies on rocky islands. The roughly constructed nest is made from grass and seaweed and typically placed on a sheltered rocky surface, in a crevice or hollow, or below a boulder or vegetation.

The female usually only lays one whitish egg with dark markings. The parents share the task of incubating the eggs for about 32 days, at which time the chick hatches. The nestling is brooded continuously by the adults for about 2 to 3 weeks. The parents feed the chick regurgitated food.

The chick fledges (takes its first flight) when it is 37 days old; but the parents will continue to feed it for some time after that.

Conservation Status

Blue Noddys are currently classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as species of “Least concern”, meaning they do not face a significant risk of extinction. The bird is still facing a number threats that may impact its future population. The threats include habitat destruction due to human activity, the introduction and spread of invasive species, as well as climate change.

Introduction of non-native species, like rats, cats and pigs to islands where Blue Noddies breed, has had a devastating effect on the bird population. These predators have been known to raid nests and eat eggs, chicks and even adults. The number of breeding attempts has decreased, especially on islands heavily affected by human activity.

Climate change is a major threat to the Blue Noddy. Rising sea levels, storm intensification, and temperature changes could affect the availability of nesting habitats and food, causing the Blue Noddy to struggle in the future. The loss of nesting habitats due to human development is a major challenge to the species. This is especially true on tropical islands.

The Blue Noddy has been the focus of conservation efforts to protect its habitat. This is especially true on remote islands, where the birds nest. Conservationists are hoping to create a safe environment for Blue Noddys and other seabirds by establishing protected zones and removing invasive plants. In addition, conservationists are working to increase awareness of the species and its importance in preserving coastal eco-systems.

Conclusion

Blue Noddys are fascinating seabirds that embody the elegance and beauty of the tropical regions. The Blue Noddy, with its beautiful plumage and graceful flight, is an important part of marine ecosystems. The species is not in immediate danger of extinction but it does face a number challenges that may threaten its population. Blue Noddy conservation efforts are essential to ensure that it continues to be a common sight in the Tropics for many generations.

Understanding and appreciating Blue Noddy’s unique role in the ecosystem will help us to better support and preserve these amazing seabirds, and the fragile habitats that they depend upon.

Species Research by Sibylle Johnson

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