NODDY. 



BLACK NODDY. 



Sterna stolida, JENYNS. GOULD. 



Anous stolidus, EYTON. 



Sterna ? Stolida Foolish hebid. 



THIS 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. In India it is 

 seen in the Chinese seas. 



In Ireland, two specimens were shot off the coast of Wexford, 

 in the summer of 1840. 



They are 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 mariner, and swim with 

 ease and grace. 'When about to alight on the water, the 

 Noddy keeps its wings extended upwards, and touches it first 

 with its feet.' 



