• Skip to Content
  • Skip to Main Navigation
  • Skip to Local Navigation
  • Skip to Search
  • Skip to Sitemap
  • Skip to Footer

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus ORDER: FALCONIFORMES FAMILY: ACCIPITRIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Osprey Photo

© William L. Newton / CLO

One of the largest birds of prey in North America, the Osprey eats almost exclusively fish. It is one of the most widespread birds in the world, found on all continents except Antarctica.

eBird, submit your observations

Appearance

Hawks
Hawks
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large raptor.
  • White breast and belly.
  • Black back and wings.
  • Long wings, held with wingtips angled slightly backwards.
  • Dark eyestripe.
  • Crown and forehead white.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but with whitish scaling on back feathers, fewer markings on chest, and orange eyes.

Range Map Help

Osprey Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
    PopOutZoom In
    Adult
    • © William L. Newton / CLO, Sanibel Island, Florida, March 2000
  • Adult with fish
    PopOutZoom In
    Adult with fish
    • © William L. Newton / CLO, Ding Darling NWR, Florida
  • Adult with fish
    PopOutZoom In
    Adult with fish
    • © William L. Newton / CLO, Sanibel Island, Florida
  • Adult
    PopOutZoom In
    Adult
    • Spiny pads on feet and reversible toe let Ospreys carry fish securely
    • © William L. Newton / CLO
  • Adult female (left) with nestlings
    PopOutZoom In
    Adult female (left) with nestlings
    • © William L. Newton / CLO, Sanibel Island, Florida

Similar Species

  • Bald Eagle is larger, has a dark chest and underside, yellow legs, and flies with its broad wings held flat.