Field Guide/Birds/Pandion haliaetus
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| Pandion haliaetus |
The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a medium large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide, predominantly coastal distribution. It is sometimes known by the misnomers Fish Hawk or Fish Eagle.
Ospreys are particularly well adapted to their diet, with a reversible outer toe, closable nostrils to keep out water during dives, and backwards facing scales on its talons which act as barbs to help it catch fish.
It is the sole member of the family Pandionidae, which has traditionally been regarded as part of the order Accipitriformes but is sometimes been grouped with the Ciconiiformes.
It has white underparts and long, narrow wings with four "fingers", which give it a very distinctive appearance.
It locates its prey from the air, often hovering prior to plunging feet-first into the water to sieze a fish. As it rises back into flight the fish is turned head forward to reduce drag.
The nest is a large heap of sticks built in trees, rocky outcrops, telephone poles or artificial platforms.
European breeders winter in Africa.
American and Canadian breeders winter in South America, although some stay in the southernmost USA states such as Florida and California.
The osprey is the official bird of Nova Scotia.
