A specialized fish-hunting raptor with reversible outer toes and barbed footpads, ospreys recovered dramatically from near-extinction caused by DDT — and now nest comfortably on cell towers and channel markers.

Also called: Fish Hawk, Sea Hawk, River Hawk

Native status: Native; cosmopolitan

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 55–67 cm (22–26 in); wingspan 1.5–1.8 m (5–6 ft)
Weight1.4–2.0 kg (3–4.5 lb); females larger
LifespanWild average 8 years; oldest documented 25
OrderAccipitriformes
FamilyPandionidae

§ Encyclopedia

The osprey, historically known as sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey with a cosmopolitan range. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and a wingspan of 180 cm (71 in). It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts.

Source: Wikipedia — Osprey Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. White below, dark brown above; dark eye stripe; distinctive crook in the wing when soaring. Carries fish head-first into the wind.

Similar species. Bald Eagle (much bigger, white head). Gulls (no crooked wing, no eye stripe).

Voice. Series of high-pitched whistled "kew-kew-kew" calls; loud near the nest.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Almost exclusively live fish caught from surface dives; will eat fish to 1.5 lbs.

Behavior. Plunges feet-first into water from heights up to 30 m, often submerging entirely. Reversible outer toe and barbed pads grip slippery fish. Pairs reuse and add to massive stick nests yearly.

§ Range

Worldwide; across North America wherever fish are present

§ Habitat

Lakes, rivers, coastal estuaries, and reservoirs with abundant surface fish

§ Threats

Lingering pesticide bioaccumulation, fishing-line entanglement, habitat loss to coastal development.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the osprey is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Properly dispose of fishing line. Support clean-water rules. Install nesting platforms on lake shorelines.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • Osprey Watch
  • The Peregrine Fund
  • IUCN Red List 2016