When these rocky outcroppings or cays, are unavailable, the bird has been observed to build nests in low trees and ground brush. During courtship the adults attract one another through a dance of head nodding which is the source of their common name. The bird is assumed to have only one brood per year. Noddy live in pelagic regions. Most common on islands throughout the Caribbean although they may be driven onto the mainland as far west as Texas and as far north as North Carolina.
Adults are very protective of their young, probably because there is only one egg per year.
In order to keep eggs and chicks safe they have become proficient in diving upon those who venture too close. The Noddy attacks the head region until the perceived threat is gone. The bird is closely related to both the Sooty Tern and the Black Noddy. The Tern differs in that it has a pale belly, forked tail, and no pale cap. The Black Noddy is smaller, darker and has both a more slender bill and prominent white cap.