The Grey Noddy (Procelsterna cerulae) is a graceful little tern from the tropical and subtropical Pacific. They are also known as Grey Ternlets and are very attractive with their delicate features and large dark eyes. They breed on the Kermadec Islands and venture south after breeding. Grey Noddies are uncommon but can be seen at the Maori Rocks in the Mokohinau group of islands in the outer Hauraki Gulf.

The origin of their scientific name is delightful. The generic name Procelsterna is a combination of Procellaria referencing Storm Petrels as they share the habit of fluttering and dip feeding on the surface, and sterna as they are terns. Storm petrel tern is a lovely word picture. The specific name cerulea describes their blue/grey colour.

On my first trip out to the Maori Rocks we saw some resting up in shade with little opportunity to get any decent photos. Fortunately on my second trip we had a school of Trevally feeding close by with some Grey Noddies joining the Red-billed Gulls and Fairy Prions at the work up. Grey Noddy feed on krill, tiny fish (average size only 17mm), squid and sea-striders. I was lucky to catch a couple of pictures showing the Storm petrel-like dip feeding.

For more information see the Grey Noddy page on nzbirdsonline.

Photos with Nikon D500 and Nikon 500mm f5.6PF