Osprey
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Pandion haliaetus
The osprey is more than 50 cm (20 in.) in length, with a brownish black back, and white on all underparts. It has a slightly crested head and long semipointed wings of up to 1.8 m (6 ft.) in expanse. The wings are held with a definite crook at the wrist. These characteristics are easily seen and are good field marks for identification. The osprey usually arrives in Alberta in late April and begins its way back to the wintering grounds in October. Winters are spent as far south as Central America.
The osprey, also known as the fish hawk, is seldom found away from water in all life zones except the alpine and prairie. As the latter name implies, it feeds exclusively on fish which it captures by diving into the water with legs thrust forward and talons extended to grasp its prey. Such dives are made anywhere from 15 to 60 m (50 to 200 ft.) above the water and often carry the bird well below the surface.
Large bulky nests are built on the tops of tall dead trees, telephone poles, or rock pinnacles overlooking water. Like eagles, the osprey returns year after year and the nest becomes a growing landmark. Two to four buff-colored eggs with varied markings are laid.
