A large, long-winged species of hawk found along seacoasts and large interior waterways. Ospreys are about 24 in. long with a 5 ft. wingspan. They have a brown back, white belly, a white head with a dark line through the eye and on the side of the face, and a distinctive bend at the “wrist” of the wing. Ospreys can spot fish from heights of 30 to 100 ft. After hovering, they plunge feet first into the water, seizing the fish in their long, curved talons. The osprey population declined drastically during the mid 1900’s due to the pesticides being used, but they are now recovering.
Forest, Wetland
Most Ospreys that breed in North America migrate to Central and South America for the winter, with migration routes following broad swaths of the eastern, interior, and western U.S. A few Ospreys overwinter in the southernmost United States, including parts of Florida and California.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Common
Diurnal
The osprey is piscivorous, with fish making up 99% of its diet.
Ospreys have a vision that is well adapted to detecting underwater objects from the air. Prey is first sighted when the osprey is 33–131 ft above the water, after which the bird hovers momentarily and then plunges feet first into the water. They catch fish by diving into a body of water, oftentimes completely submerging their entire bodies. Courtship displays include pair circling high together; male may fly high and then dive repeatedly in vicinity of nest site, often carrying a fish or stick.
Least Concern
