White Capped Noddy

The White Capped Noddy (Anous minitus) is a small black tern with a white cap and long bill.  It can be observed nesting in the trees on Lady Elliot Island where some birdsare resident. 

White Capped Noddies are Resident Seabirds. Resident seabirds inhabit Lady Elliot Island all year round, breeding in season

What is a seabird?
Of all the species found in Australia only 4% are classified as seabirds .  These birds spend most of their time out at sea (often only coming onto land to breed).  Feed predominantly from the ocean and drink seawater.  They have the ability to desalinate water through salt glands at the back of their skull and then get rid of the excess salt by letting it run down their nasal passages.  Generally only lay one egg per season, some species two.