What is an Osprey?
An osprey is a bird of prey in the order Falconiformes. Like other birds in this order, the osprey is considered a raptor, and it hunts for its food with extremely sharp claws, excellent eyes, and powerful wings. Ospreys are rather unique raptors, with enough individual traits that they are set aside in their own genus. Only one osprey species, Pandion haliaetus, can be found on Earth today, although there are several subspecies. The body of an osprey is adapted for hunting. The birds have streamlined, lightweight bodies with a big wingspan which can support the bird along with the weight of its prey. The underside of an osprey is creamy to white, making it hard for prey to spot from the ground, and from above an osprey is dark brown. The birds can spot prey from surprising distances, swooping in on a daring dive to pick up food before flying off again. The birds make a characteristic high chirping noise which is familiar to many people who live near bodies of water. Ospreys are someti
An osprey is a large bird of prey that catches fish with its talons. It is sometimes confused with an eagle, as they are both large, dark colored with a white head. The osprey though, has a dark streak running through the white head from the beak through the eye to the shoulder. Ospreys nest in large, old trees. They will return to their old nest year after year. If the trees are gone or the nest is occupied the osprey needs a new nest. By erecting utility poles with a nest platform, people have been able to provide habitat for the birds that were quickly losing nesting space. In the mid 1960’s, ospreys saw a decline in population similar to the Bald Eagle and many other birds of prey. The use of pesticides contaminated their food source. But as with the Bald Eagle, realizing the necessity to discontinue the use of DDT and study the birds’ needs allowed us to help the birds recover.
