The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is
a bird of the order Accipitriformes and the family Pandionidae. It is a diurnal
bird of prey found all over the world. They have a six foot wingspan and an all
fish diet. Despite nesting near water, the osprey is not technically one of the
sea eagles.
Distinguishing features of the
osprey include a mixture of black, gray, white and brown feathers with a band
of black feathers across the eyes, narrow finger like wings, and a chirp that
sounds like a short human whistle. They fish by hovering 40 feet above their
chosen prey before diving feet first into the water. They use their barbed
talons to help hold on to the fish. Their nostrils close when they hit the
water.
Ospreys mate for life and prefer
haphazard nests built high up. Many bird watching and conservation
organizations have created tall structures to encourage ospreys to breed.
Without a suitable nesting ground ospreys can delay breeding for years. The
osprey migrates to warmer climates in the winter months.