Ospreys 20D0048803

Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus)

The Osprey, also known as bayhawk, seahawk, fish hawk or fish eagle, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey. It is a large raptor, reaching 60 centimetres (24 in) in length with a 1.8 metre (6 ft) wingspan. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly whitish on the head and underparts, with a brownish eye patch and wings. The Osprey tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing an adequate food supply. It is found on all continents except Antarctica although in South America it occurs only as a non-breeding migrant.

The Osprey differs in several respects from other diurnal birds of prey. Its toes are of equal length, its tarsi are reticulated, and its talons are rounded, rather than grooved. The Osprey is the only raptor whose outer toe is reversible, allowing it to grasp its prey with two toes in front and two behind. The Osprey is unusual insofar as it is a single species that occurs nearly worldwide.

The Osprey is particularly well adapted to a diet of fish, with reversible outer toes, sharp spicules on the underside of the toes, closable nostrils to keep out water during dives, and backwards-facing scales on the talons which act as barbs to help hold its catch. Rarely, the Osprey may prey on other wetland animals, such as aquatic rodents, salamanders, other birds, and small reptiles.

European breeders winter in Africa. American and Canadian breeders winter in South America, although some stay in the southernmost U.S. states such as Florida and California. Australasian Ospreys tend not to migrate.

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