Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

PandionidaeAccipitriformes

The Osprey is a raptor found across various habitats in North America. Dark brown above, white below, white head with dark eye stripe, crooked wings in flight These birds are known for their unique characteristics and behaviors. Plunge-dives for fish, reversible outer toe, spiny foot pads for grasping fish

Physical Characteristics

Size

21-23 inches

Wingspan

4.8-5.6 feet

Weight

2.9-4.5 lbs

Plumage

Dark brown above, white below, white head with dark eye stripe, crooked wings in flight

Distinctive Features

Dark brown above

Natural History & Behavior

🌳 Habitat

Near water - coasts, lakes, rivers

🍽️ Diet

Almost exclusively fish

🦅 Behavior

Plunge-dives for fish, reversible outer toe, spiny foot pads for grasping fish

🗺️ Migration Pattern

Long-distance migrant

🎵 Sounds

Series of whistles

🛡️ Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

💡

Ospreys have adapted well to their environment

💡

Conservation status: Least Concern

💡

Average size: 21-23 inches

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Osprey sound like?

Ospreys make Series of whistles. These vocalizations are used for communication, territory defense, and attracting mates.

Where do Ospreys live?

Ospreys inhabit near water - coasts, lakes, rivers. Long-distance migrant

What do Ospreys eat?

The diet of Ospreys consists primarily of almost exclusively fish. They forage using various techniques depending on their habitat.

Related Birds

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

Identify Osprey Instantly

Download Bird Identifier to recognize Osprey and thousands of other bird species with just a photo