Osprey

Osprey

NL: Visarend
D: Fischadler
FI: Sääksi

Latin name: Pandion haliaetus (Linnaeus 1758)

Birdgroup: Ospreys

The osprey is a bird of prey in the osprey family (Pandionidae). The scientific name of the species was published as Falco haliaetus in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus.

Characteristics: The Osprey is a fairly small eagle that likes to ‘pray’ standing still above water and then dive on a fish with outstretched claws. It is relatively strong for its size and can grab prey almost as heavy as itself. The osprey can be easily recognized in flight by its completely white underside, its chocolate brown top and its slightly ‘kinked’ wings. A dark line runs through the eye. The plumage is the same in both sexes. Other eagles usually have straight wings. The body length is about 55 cm, the wingspan is 150 to 170 cm and the weight 1.5 to 2 kg. The females are slightly larger and heavier.

Food: The animal eats almost exclusively fish and can mainly be found near wooded lakes, rivers or the sea coast. Ospreys fly over the surface of the water in search of prey that is just below the surface of the water. When a fish is seen, the eagle dives head first, and at the last moment throws its legs forward to grab the fish. Its claws are razor sharp and the legs have small spines, so the osprey can better grip its slippery prey.

Distribution: The osprey makes relatively few demands on its habitat. Fish-rich water is important; these can be slow-flowing rivers, clear lakes or seashores. Furthermore, there must be a place to nest, such as tall trees, rock walls, uninhabited islets, or man-made poles with platforms.
With the exception of Australia and Antarctica, the osprey is distributed in all continents.

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