Osprey
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%96%D7%99%D7%92" title="User:מינוזיג">מינוזיג - MinoZig</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameOsprey
Common NameOsprey
Scientific NamePandion haliaetus
FamilyPandionidae
Wingspan (cm)152
Length (cm)58
Weight (g)1450
Plumage DetailsAdult Ospreys have dark brown upperparts, a pure white belly, and a white head with a prominent broad dark stripe extending from the eye down the side of the neck. Their eyes are yellow, and the bill is dark with a hooked tip. Juveniles have buff-tipped feathers on their upperparts.
Vocalization / CallOspreys typically vocalize with a series of sharp, whistling calls, often described as 'cheep-cheep' or 'chewk-chewk'. They also have a more urgent alarm call, a rapid 'chew-chew-chew'.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, lakes, rivers, estuaries, reservoirs
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Osprey has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, breeding in temperate and tropical regions across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in warmer southern regions.
Identifying FeaturesDark brown upperparts, white underparts, White head with broad dark eye stripe, Yellow eyes, Large raptor with long, narrow wings, M-shaped wing profile in flight, Specialized feet for catching fish (reversible outer toe, spicules)
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 before plunging feet-first into the water. This species is found near freshwater and saltwater bodies across much of the world.
