Osprey bird. See images, sounds, and behavior of this widespread and distinctive bird of prey. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and a wingspan of 180 cm (71 in). Find out their description, range, diet, behavior, life history, and conservation status. The white extends out the wings, but the primaries, secondaries, and tail feathers are mottled black-and-white. The back is mostly black or dark brown. Osprey eggs don't Apr 23, 2023 · Looking for a fun and educational read? Check out these 69 fun facts about Ospreys - you won't believe what these birds are capable of! Osprey is one of the most unique North American raptors. com 19 hours ago · Osprey numbers keep climbing in Rhode Island as mating pairs find more creative places to nest along the state's busy coastline. Equipped with specialized adaptations for piscivorous pursuits Large, mostly white raptor that cruises over lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways in search of fish. Dec 9, 2008 · Learn how to identify Ospreys, large raptors that eat fish exclusively and nest on platforms or trees. They are built like a gull, dive for fish feet first, and are distinctly plumaged. The osprey (/ ˈɒspri, - preɪ /; [2] Pandion haliaetus), historically known as sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey with a cosmopolitan range. They lay eggs (typically three), which both parents help to incubate. Osprey is a large bird, only slightly smaller than an eagle, but with a slimmer build. Scientific Name: Pandion haliaetusClassification: Nongame SpeciesScientific Name: Pandion haliaetus Classification: Nongame Species Abundance: Found statewide The osprey is perhaps our most easily observed bird of prey. Its large, conspicuous nests can be seen on dead trees along waterways and on channel markers in coastal areas. Impressively widespread: found on every continent except Antarctica. As with many species of raptors, pesticides such as DDT caused eggshell thinning or adult sterility and numbers of birds declined rapidly. Reproduction Most ospreys are migratory birds that breed in the north and migrate south for the winter. The Osprey is a bird of prey that lives near the water, and is found around the world. Far above the hustle and bustle of Everything you should know about the Osprey. It is the only species in its family, and it is found worldwide. Jul 19, 2025 · Osprey, (Pandion haliaetus), large, long-winged hawk, about 65 cm (26 inches) long, that lives along seacoasts and larger interior waterways, where it catches fish. Find out its range, habitat, behavior, diet, conservation status, and more. Hunting Ospreys are a picture of Jan 11, 2024 · The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), a consummate fisherman of the avian world, emerges as a charismatic and skilled raptor renowned for its remarkable fishing abilities. Learn about osprey, raptors that are well adapted for fishing and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. See full list on factanimal. These large, rangy hawks do well around humans and have rebounded in numbers following the ban on the pesticide DDT. The Osprey, a magnificent raptor synonymous with healthy aquatic ecosystems, possesses an extraordinary knack for building its nests in the most improbable and precarious of locations. Mostly white head and underparts; dark brown back. The osprey tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing an adequate food supply. But, they are sometimes confused with the similar Bald Eagle or a large gull The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey with a cosmopolitan range. The head is The Osprey is a large black-and-white hawk, with long narrow wings, long legs, and a distinctive M-shaped flight profile. In flight, holds wings with a kink in the wrist (shaped like an History and Status During the 1960s, osprey populations were at an all-time low. Learn about the Osprey, a large fish-eating hawk that nests on poles and trees near water. Also known as the sea hawk or fish eagle, the Osprey is a distinctive bird of prey that traverses the globe, inhabiting a range of coastal and freshwater habitats. Ospreys are easy to identify even at long distances, making them a favorite among birders. . It is found on all continents except Antarctica, although in South America it occurs only as a non-breeding migrant. Its habit of nesting on man-made structures shows that this Unique among North American raptors for its diet of live fish and ability to dive into water to catch them, Ospreys are common sights soaring over shorelines, patrolling waterways, and standing on their huge stick nests, white heads gleaming. The Osprey bird (Pandion haliaetus) is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution. The effects on osprey populations were pro-nounced because they feed on fish that readily store persistent pesticides and there-fore contain high levels of pesticide residues General Description The Osprey is a unique bird that is unmistakable when seen at close range. Jun 9, 2025 · In the vast and varied landscapes of the United States, from coastal marshes to inland lakes, a remarkable aerial architect performs one of nature’s most captivating feats. Its breast and belly are mostly white, with some dark streaks. fhiobwbyholnwalzqrtfwvtwjcltkcdznmznlqdbdplwaqldrdjzt