Osprey(Pandion haliaetus)
- It can be found in most temperate and tropical areas apart from Antarctica.
- It is a large raptor bird, with up to 180cm of wingspan and reaching up to 58-60 cm in length,
- Ospreys feed almost exclusively on fish but may supplement their diet with small mammals, small reptiles and small birds.
- They can detect underwater movement from 10-40 m above water. When prey is detected they hover above water and then plunge in after it.
- Ospreys much like most raptors are largely territorial. They may share their territory with their young but usually a couple holds a territory.
- Ospreys mate for life. The couple takes turn roosting the eggs while the other one hunts and forages.
- Breeding is dependent on location and varies according to latitude.
- Ospreys erect their nests on high vantage points often near freshwater bodies. The female gives birth to two to four eggs which are incubated for about 5 weeks.
- Ospreys usually live from 8-10 years but some individuals have recorded reaching 20 years old.
- Ospreys are classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.
