Segregation in Diet between Black Noddy (Anous minutus) and Brown Noddy (A. stolidus) from the Southern Lagoon of New Caledonia

Research on the Lagoons of New Caledonia reveals distinct dietary segregation between Black Noddy (Anous minutus) and Brown Noddy (A. stolidus), indicating spatial separation in foraging zones. While both species primarily consume fish, Black Noddies target small pelagic fishes like round herrings (Spratelloides spp.) closer to shore, whereas Brown Noddies prey on larger offshore species such as buccaneer anchovy (Encrasicholina punctifer) and squid. This segregation is more pronounced than observed in other sympatric populations, suggesting niche partitioning driven by body size and foraging distance. The study analyzed regurgitations from birds nesting at Kouaré Islet over two breeding seasons (2002/2003 and 2003/2004), providing insights into the ecological dynamics of these seabirds in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Villard, P., Bretagnolle, V., & Borsa, P. (2015). Segregation in Diet between Black Noddy (Anous minutus) and Brown Noddy (A. stolidus) from the Southern Lagoon of New Caledonia. Pacific Science, 69(2), 197–204. https://doi.org/10.2984/69.2.5