Osprey
NameOsprey
Common NameOsprey
Scientific NamePandion haliaetus
FamilyPandionidae
Wingspan (cm)150
Length (cm)58
Weight (g)1400
Plumage DetailsDark brown upperparts, white underparts, and a white head with a prominent dark brown stripe extending from the beak through the eye to the nape. The tail is barred, and the undersides of the flight feathers are also barred.
Vocalization / CallA series of sharp, whistling calls, often described as 'chew-chew-chew' or 'kyew-kyew-kyew'. Alarm calls are more frantic and insistent.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal areas, lakes, rivers, estuaries, wetlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNearly cosmopolitan, found on all continents except Antarctica, typically near freshwater or saltwater bodies with abundant fish.
Identifying Featuresdark eye stripe, white head, dark brown upperparts, white underparts, specialized fish-eating talons, m-shaped wing profile in flight, reverses outer toes to grip fish
Description
The Osprey is a large raptor specializing in fish, easily recognized by its distinctive white head with a dark eye stripe. It is often seen soaring over water bodies or performing spectacular feet-first dives to catch its prey.
