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Manu Minute with Dr. Patrick Hart, February 3rd, 2020. Field recordings from Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (ML55621).
Since they often roost on cliffs and forage close to shore, Noio, or Hawaiian black noddies, are one of the most commonly seen seabirds in Hawai'i. But birdwatching for Noio isn't just a pleasant afternoon activity — it can also provide critical information about the landscape.
Fisher-people deemed Noio "aku birds" — or birds that indicate the presence of aku. Noio will flock above a school of aku fish that is about to surface, creating the perfect opportunity for a watchful fisherperson to swoop in.