The Brown Noddy - Birdwatching - Ecuador

The Brown Noddy is a common seabird found all over the world. A member of the tern family, they get their name from the nodding motions they make. It's a medium-sized seabird (larger than a finch, smaller than a booby) easily recognized by its brown plumage and grayish “cap” on top of its head. They can occasionally be seen while feeding: they fly low and nip up small fish and other marine creatures that swim too close to the surface.

Otherwise, the best place to see them is in their nests: in Galapagos they are often seen in seaside caves and crevasses nesting on precarious ledges. Mated pairs will return to the same nesting spot year after year.

Where to see them: Anywhere there are caves and rocks along the shore, such as Tagus cove (Isabela). Sometime you can see them fishing in Academy Bay (Puerto Ayora).

Fun fact: a group of noddies is correctly referred to as a “niddle,” an “affirmation” or a “sleepiness” of noddies.

Birdwatching