N O D D Y .
BLACK NODDY.
Sterna stolida,
And'us siolidus,
JENYNS. GOULD.
EYTON.
Sterna— Stolida—Foolish—hebkl.
T H I S species is only an occasional and rare wanderer to Europe, but
a few specimens have occurred on the French coast. It belongs also
to America, being plentiful in Carolina, the Gulf of Mexico, along the
coast of Florida, and the "West India Islands, Tobago, the Tortugas,
the Bahamas, and others. In South America, in Brazil and Cayenne.
I n India it is seen in the Chinese seas.
I n Ireland, two specimens were shot off the coast of Wexford, in
the summer of 181-0.
They arc very tame while engaged with their nests, alighting on the
heads of visitors, or suffering a hand to be placed over them while
sitting; indeed they appear to permit a close approach at all times, as
suggested by their name: who has not read of 'Boobies and Noddies?'
who, that is to say, has not read Captain Bligh's ever-memorable voyage
in the open boat? who that has read it, does not remember it, and
will not remember it, with interest as long as he lives?
These birds frequently alight at night on the yards of vessels, as
if to roost. When taken they bite severely, snapping in a quick
manner, and so as to make a sound if the object is missed. They
have been seen more than a hundred leagues from land.
They fly in a buoyant and light manner, and swim with ease and
grace. 'AVhen about to alight on the water, the Noddy keeps its
wings extended upwards, and touches it first with its feet.1
They feed on small fish, on which they either swoop in their flight,
and so snatch up, or take while swimming about.