Osprey
Image: Juan (cc-by-nc)
NameOsprey
Common NameOsprey
Scientific NamePandion haliaetus
FamilyPandionidae
Wingspan (cm)165
Length (cm)58
Weight (g)1450
Plumage DetailsOspreys have dark brown upperparts, a white head with a broad dark stripe through the eye, and pure white underparts. Their wings are long and narrow, with dark carpal patches visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallTheir most common call is a series of sharp, whistling chirps, often described as "cheep-cheep" or "kew-kew-kew". They also have alarm calls and courtship calls.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal areas, lakes, rivers, reservoirs, estuaries, wetlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNearly cosmopolitan, found on all continents except Antarctica. Breeds in temperate and tropical regions worldwide, migrating to warmer areas in winter.
Identifying Featuresdark eye stripe, white head, dark brown upperparts, white underparts, large raptor, fish-eating behavior, m-shaped wing profile in flight
Description
The Osprey is a large, fish-eating raptor with a distinctive appearance. It is known for its spectacular dives to catch fish, often hovering over water before plunging feet-first.
