BLACK NODDY. 
ns 
.VA TA TORES. 
STERNIDJE. 
PLATE CCXCVIII. 
T3LACK NODDY. 
STERNA STOLIDA. 
The Black Noddy has only very lately been added to the 
list of British Birds, in consequence of two specimens that 
were captured on the eastern coast of Ireland. This bird is, 
therefore, to be considered as a rare occasional visitant. 
The countries in which this species chiefly resides, are the 
Gulf of Mexico, the shores of Florida, and the Bahama Isles. 
The entire coast of America is periodically visited by it, from 
whence it occasionally reaches the western shores of Europe; 
mariners not unfrequently make acquaintance with this bird, 
by meeting it on the open sea. 
The food of the Black Noddy consists of small fish and 
aquatic insects, which it catches by skimming over the watery 
surface, and dq^ping for them in the manner of other terns. 
The before-named parts of Mexieo, Florida, and the 
Bahama Isles, are annually visited by this bird for the pur¬ 
pose of breeding ; it chooses either weedy banks, low trees, 
or bare rocks, for a nesting-place, and deposits three warm 
coloured yellow eggs spotted with reddish and purple spots. 
VOL. VII. 
L 
