Lesser noddy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lesser noddy |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Anous
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| Species: |
tenuirostris
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The Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirostris) is a small, dark seabird. It's also sometimes called the Sooty Noddy. This bird belongs to the Laridae family, which includes gulls and terns. You can find Lesser Noddies living near the coasts of several countries. These include Comoros, Kenya, India, and the Maldives. They also live in Mauritius, Seychelles, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates. For a while, scientists thought the Lesser Noddy was a type of Black Noddy. But a study in 2016 showed they are very closely related.
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About the Lesser Noddy's Name
How Scientists Name Birds
Scientists use a system called taxonomy to name and group living things. This helps everyone understand which animals are related. The first official description of the Lesser Noddy was made in 1823. A Dutch zoologist named Coenraad Jacob Temminck gave it the scientific name Sterna tenuirostris.
Meaning of the Lesser Noddy's Name
Later, in 1826, an English naturalist named James Francis Stephens created the group, or genus, Anous. The word Anous comes from Ancient Greek. It means "stupid" or "foolish." This might be because these birds are often easy to catch. The second part of its name, tenuirostris, comes from Latin. Tenuis means "slender," and -rostris means "billed." So, its full scientific name describes it as a "slender-billed" bird.
Different Types of Lesser Noddies
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the Lesser Noddy:
- A. t. tenuirostris (Temminck, 1823) - These live on islands in the western and northern Indian Ocean.
- A. t. melanops Gould, 1846 - These are found in the Houtman Abrolhos Islands off Western Australia.
What the Lesser Noddy Looks Like
The Lesser Noddy is a medium-sized bird. It measures about 30 to 34 centimeters (12 to 13.5 inches) long. Its wingspan, which is how wide its wings are when spread, is about 58 to 63 centimeters (23 to 25 inches). These birds weigh between 97 and 120 grams (3.4 to 4.2 ounces).
Their feathers are mostly brownish-black. The front of their head and the top of their head are a bit lighter in color. The Lesser Noddy is smaller than the similar Black Noddy. It also has pale skin around its eyes, unlike the Black Noddy, which has dark skin there.
Lesser Noddy's Life in Nature
Where Lesser Noddies Live
Lesser Noddies are seabirds. This means they spend most of their lives near the ocean. They are often seen along the coasts of many countries. These birds are well-adapted to life by the sea.
Interesting Interactions with Other Animals
On Frégate Island in the Seychelles, something surprising has been seen. Giant tortoises have been observed trying to hunt these birds. This is unusual because tortoises are usually plant-eaters. It shows how different animals can interact in unexpected ways in nature.
