Pandion haliaetus
Ospreys are often seen soaring high above mountain lakes or perched atop their large stick nests. These majestic raptors prey mainly on fish, and they are very well equipped for the task. This bird's feathers are more water resistant than those of other raptors, because they are treated regularly during preening. An Osprey's feet are specialized to prevent its catch from making a squirmy escape: two toes face forward, two face backward, and the bird's soles are heavily scaled to help it clamp tightly onto the fish. Osprey always carry fish with the head facing forward. Sometimes an Osprey will completely disappear beneath the water's surface before emerging with its catch. |
I.D.: General: large raptor; dark brown upperparts; white underparts; dark eye line; light crown. Male: all-white throat. Female: fine, dark 'necklace.' In flight: long wings are held in a shallow M; dark wrist patches; tail is finely banded with black and white. Size: L 22-25 in. (56-64 cm); W 54-72 in. (137-183 cm). Range: common breeder and migrant northward throughout the Rockies; uncommon in the southern U.S. Rockies. Habitat: large lakes, slow-flowing rivers and reservoirs. Nesting: on treetops, usually near lakes, large rivers and reservoirs; also on specially made platforms, utility poles, transmission towers, beacons or pilings, 45-90 ft. (14-27 m) high; large stick nest; male feeds the female while she incubates the eggs. Feeding: dramatic, feet-first dives into the water; fish, averaging 2 lb. (1 kg), make up 98% of the diet. Voice: series of melodious ascending notes: chewk-chewk-chewk; also an often-heard kip-kip-kip. Similar Species: Bald Eagle: adult is much larger, has a clean white head and tail, has a dark belly and breast and lacks the wrist patches; subadult is larger, holds its wings flat when soaring and lacks the clean, well-defined dark-and-white patterning. |
