A male NODDY indicates his preference by bowing vigorously to his choice and she responds by thrusting her bill down his throat and eating what food she finds there! A marriage feast without parallel and homebuilding is started at once after this delicate ceremony.
Watson says the Noddies left Bird Key, Florida, about daybreak and returned in about two hours when the relieved mates took their turn at fishing. Males feed females until the egg is laid, after that they spell one another about every two hours.
Fierce battles occur over tiny sticks, for nesting material is scarce on Bird Key.
Noddies build in low bushes or on grass tussock; never on the ground unless forced to. Incubation period of over five weeks is the longest among Terns.
Florida Keys and coast of Louisiana.