Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Osprey is a striking raptor with a white head, brown upperparts, and predominantly white underparts.
Its wings are long and narrow, with a distinctive bend at the 'wrist'. The bird's eyes are golden, and a dark brown stripe runs through each eye to the back of its head. The legs are long and white with large black claws.
Females are up to twenty per cent larger than males and have a more prominent brown necklace across their chest.
Juveniles resemble adults but have buff-tipped feathers on their upperparts, giving them a speckled appearance.
Size
Length
54cm to 58cm
Wingspan
150cm to 180cm
Weight
1.2kg to 2kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Grey Black
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Ospreys have a nearly global distribution, found on every continent except Antarctica. They inhabit coastal areas, estuaries, lakes, and rivers where fish are abundant. During the breeding season, they are common across North America, Europe, and northern Asia.
In winter, many Ospreys migrate to warmer regions, including Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Year-round populations exist in areas with suitable climates and fishing grounds, such as parts of Florida and the Caribbean.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Osprey. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Osprey demonstrates exceptional agility, particularly in its fishing technique. Its ability to hover precisely, dive from heights up to 40 metres, and plunge into water to catch fish showcases remarkable aerial manoeuvrability and precision.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
With a robust build and specialised talons capable of grasping slippery fish, the Osprey exhibits considerable strength. Its ability to carry fish whilst in flight and construct large, sturdy nests further attests to its physical prowess.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Ospreys display high adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats across multiple continents. Their ability to nest on both natural and artificial structures, coupled with their successful recovery from population declines, demonstrates remarkable adaptability to changing environments.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst not typically aggressive towards humans, Ospreys can be territorial during breeding season. They may exhibit defensive behaviour near nests and when competing for fish. However, they are generally less aggressive than some other raptors.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Osprey's long-distance migration, with some individuals travelling over 4,000 kilometres (approx 2,500 miles) between breeding and wintering grounds, indicates exceptional endurance. Their ability to hover for extended periods whilst fishing also suggests considerable stamina.
Diet
Ospreys are piscivores, with fish comprising 99% of their diet. They are opportunistic hunters, catching a wide variety of fish species depending on local availability. Occasionally, they may take small mammals, birds, or reptiles.
Their specialised talons and reversible outer toe enable them to grasp slippery fish effectively. Usually they will return to their nest or perch before consuming their meal.
Behaviour
Ospreys are renowned for their fishing prowess. They often hover over water before plunging feet-first into the water to catch fish. They are highly adaptable, nesting on natural and artificial structures near water bodies.
During migration, Ospreys can cover vast distances, with some individuals travelling over 4,000 kilometres (around 2,500 miles) between breeding and wintering grounds.
Vocalisation
Ospreys have a variety of calls, most commonly a series of sharp, chirping whistles that sound like 'cheep, cheep' or 'yewk, yewk'.
During courtship or when alarmed, they may produce a high-pitched, drawn-out whistle. Near the nest, pairs often engage in a 'guard call', a rhythmic series of short, sharp notes.
Nesting & Breeding
Ospreys typically form monogamous pairs, often returning to the same nesting site year after year. Breeding season varies by location but generally occurs in spring and summer. Males perform elaborate aerial displays to attract females.
Nests are large, bulky structures made of sticks, lined with softer materials like seaweed or grass. They are usually built near water, on trees, cliffs, or artificial structures. Females lay 2-4 eggs, which are creamy-white with brown spots.
Both parents take turns to incubate the eggs for about 35-43 days. Chicks fledge at 50-55 days old but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks afterwards, learning crucial fishing skills.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While Ospreys are currently listed as Least Concern globally, they face ongoing threats from habitat loss, water pollution, and collisions with power lines.
Conservation efforts, including providing artificial nesting platforms and banning certain pesticides, have helped many populations recover from previous declines.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Ospreys near large bodies of water, including coastal areas, lakes, and rivers.
- Watch for their distinctive fishing behaviour: hovering, then diving with feet outstretched.
- In North America and Europe, scan for large stick nests on platforms, pylons, or dead trees near water.
- Listen for their high-pitched, whistling calls, especially during the breeding season.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Fish Hawk, Sea Hawk
Family:
PandionidaeAverage Lifespan
8 to 10 years
Max Lifespan
32 years [4]
Predators
Adult Ospreys have few natural predators, but their eggs and chicks are vulnerable to raccoons, great horned owls, and bald eagles.
Did You Know?
- Ospreys have a reversible outer toe that allows them to grasp fish with two toes in front and two behind.
- They are the only hawk in North America that dives into water to catch fish.
- Ospreys have been recorded diving into water from heights of up to 40 meters.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Pandion haliaetus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22694938A206628879.
View source - 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
website: BBL - Longevity Records of North American Birds
View source
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