Birds
File:Anous tenuirostris 01.jpg

Lesser Noddy

Lesser Noddy

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The Lesser Noddy is a small, dark noddy with a pale grey cap, similar to the Brown Noddy but smaller and typically darker. It inhabits tropical waters and is particularly associated with coconut palms on islands where it nests. This species is known for its graceful flight and colonial breeding.
Where to spot
Distributed across the tropical Indian Ocean and parts of the western Pacific. Major breeding colonies are found on islands like Aldabra, Seychelles, Maldives, and parts of Australia and Indonesia.
How to spot
Look for its overall dark sooty-brown plumage, contrasting with a distinct pale grey cap. Note its smaller size compared to the Brown Noddy. Observe them flying gracefully over the ocean or congregating in large numbers in coastal trees where they nest.
When to spot
Year-round resident within its tropical island range. Breeding schedules vary regionally but often occur throughout the year. Best observed during daylight hours, especially around their arboreal nesting colonies.
File:Anous tenuirostris 01.jpg
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 01.jpg
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 03.jpg
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 04.jpg
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 05.jpg
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 07.jpg
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 08.jpg
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 09.jpg
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 13.jpg
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 14.jpg
File:Anous tenuirostris 01.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 01.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 03.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 04.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 05.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 07.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 08.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 09.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 13.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris 14.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Lesser Noddies are highly arboreal for a seabird, preferring to build their nests almost exclusively in coconut palms or other coastal trees, rather than on the ground.
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