Species of the Week: Osprey

Species of the Week:
Osprey(Pandion haliaetus)

1. It can be found in most temperate and tropical areas apart from Antarctica.
2. It is a large raptor bird, with up to 180cm of wingspan and reaching up to 58-60 cm in length,
3. Ospreys feed almost exclusively on fish but may supplement their diet with small mammals, small reptiles and small birds.
4. 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.
5. Ospreys much like most raptors are largely territorial. They may share their territory with their young but usually a couple holds a territory.
6. Ospreys mate for life. The couple takes turn roosting the eggs while the other one hunts and forages.
7. Breeding is dependent on location and varies according to latitude.
8. 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.
9. Ospreys usually live from 8-10 years but some individuals have recorded reaching 20 years old.
10. Ospreys are classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.