Hovering Osprey

The Osprey is a very distinctive fish-hawk, formerly classified with other hawks but now placed in a separate family of its own. Along coastlines, lakes, and rivers almost worldwide, the Osprey is often seen flying over the water, hovering, and then plunging feet-first to catch fish in its talons.

Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) fish from a perch or while in
flight. Birds hunting from the air interrupt gliding or flapping progression with inter-
mittent sets hovering bouts in which they hold themselves stationary in the air column. They dive on fish directly from a gliding “interhover,” but more often from a hover.

They are noted for their large size and wide wingspan. One of the larger birds of prey, but smaller than a bald eagle, ospreys have an average wingspan of five feet, they are 21 to 23 inches long and usually weigh between three to four pounds. The female is larger than the male.

Ospreys have a distinctive dark patch on their wings. and unique black stripes that run from their beaks across their eyes and down the sides of their heads. They live near water and are unique among raptors for their fish-based diet.

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