Noddy, the common name of the birds of the tern family included in the genus anoüs (Leach). The bill is longer than the head, strong, with the culm en curved gradually to the acute tip, and a distinct angle to the lower mandible; wings long and pointed, the first quill the longest; tail long and graduated; tarsi rather short and slender; toes long and united by a full web; hind toe long and slender; claws curved and sharp. The only species on our coast is the A. stolidus (Leach), 16 in. long, with an extent of wings of 32 in., the bill 1¾, and the weight 4¾ oz.; the front of the head is grayish white, with a black spot over and before the eyes; the rest of the plumage sooty brown, except the primaries and tail, which are brownish black; the bill is black, the iris brown, and the legs and feet dull brownish red. They are found in the gulf of Mexico, and are esteemed as food. They are excellent swimmers and rapid fliers.

Noddy (Anoi'is stolidus).