Australian Lesser Noddy ()

No photo available for the Australian Lesser Noddy.

This Australian sea bird has a small body covered in dark plumage and has a long narrow beak.  Its head has a large light colored area that fades into the dark.  It can be found only on three islands located near western Australia.  It builds its platform nest out of leaves in mangrove trees and breeds between August and December. There is a peak of eggs being laid in September.  The female lesser noddy lays one egg during that time of year and incubates it for 34 days.  Once the baby hatches the mother will feed it for about 40 days until it can take care of itself.  On average about 60% of eggs end up hatching and then only 47% became young free flying birds.  If something happens to the egg before it is hatched some pairs of birds will replace it with another.  The birds that lay their eggs sooner in the season have a higher survival rate for their offspring since they could pick the best places for their nests. 

Since it lives near the water its diet consists of fish and squid that it catches by swooping towards the water while flying.  It usually feeds in groups along the water.  It has a wingspan of about 60 to 70 centimeters, (24 to28 inches).

The Australian Lesser Noddy was used once as a food source.  The eggs, chicks and adult birds were eaten by guano harvesters.

Further Information on the Australian Lesser Noddy:

Bibliography:

Http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/MU9950047.htm
http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sites/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3296&m=0