Black Noddy

Anous minutus is a dark tropical tern breeding in the Kermadec Islands. It differs from brown noddy through its smaller size, blacker body and sharply contrasting silvery-white cap. The plumage is soot-black with a pale crown, slender black bill and long wings. The tail is shallowly forked.

New Zealand breeding is confined to the Kermadec Islands, especially forested tropical islands. Birds forage across surrounding warm ocean waters. It catches small fish and squid close to the surface. Colonies commonly place nests in trees, building platforms of leaves and seaweed.

The New Zealand classification is Nationally Vulnerable. Raoul Island is the key New Zealand locality, but access is restricted and permit-based.