The common name osprey comes from the medieval Latin avis prede, which means “bird of prey.” 102 Ospreys are large birds that have the distinction of being the only raptor that dives into the water to catch fish instead of plucking them from the surface. This trait earned these birds the nickname of Fish Hawk. Although they dive feet-first, they often completely submerge several feet down. Amazingly, from under water they are strong enough to lift themselves and their prey into the air. The osprey’s unusual outer toe and barbs on the pads of its feet allow the bird to hang on to its slippery catch during this challenging maneuver.
The species name, haliaetus, means “sea hawk.” 103 Aristotle described and referred to ospreys as eagles and for centuries they were considered as such. In Nova Scotia, they are still sometimes called sea eagles. Although the osprey was originally classified as a hawk, it is neither a hawk nor an eagle. It now has its own family and genus, Pandionidae and Pandion, respectively. These names were loosely derived from a king in Greek mythology, Pandion, whose story has numerous versions. Although his two daughters were turned into a swallow and a nightingale, their suitor was a hawk.
During the Middle Ages, ospreys were thought to have magical powers. According to sixteenth-century folklore, they were said to put a spell on fish because they caught them so easily. In English folklore, seeing an osprey meant good luck; however, only hearing its call meant bad luck. Other legends said that the osprey had two different feet: one with talons to catch prey, the other webbed like a goose for swimming.
This bird came close to extinction but their numbers rebounded after the ban on the pesticide DDT. They are now one of the most widespread birds of prey and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. When soaring, the osprey’s wings form a distinctive M shape.
Magical Workings
Osprey is a bird of action and freedom, and it can help us find the particular path that is most suitable to our talents and interests. Encouraging insight, it dares us not only to follow an idea but to take the plunge and follow the beat of a different drum. Osprey helps us learn to trust where our curiosity may lead. Call on its support when developing divination skills.
Place an image of this bird on your altar to foster courage and confidence during challenging times. As a bird of abundance, osprey can be called upon to give spells of prosperity a boost. It is also a bird of good luck, and if you see one, make a wish.
Make Connection
Connect with osprey energy by visualizing that you are standing on a platform above a wide bay. Slowly bring your elbows out to the sides at or higher than shoulder height and let your hands hang down as you create the letter M with your arms. Imagine that you step from the platform and fly over the water. Feel the wind and smell the salt air as you glide effortlessly. When osprey makes its presence known, you may feel slightly lifted during this exercise.
Associations
Element(s): Air, water
Solar system: Moon
Bird Identification
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Size: 21 to 23 inches
Wingspan: 59 to 71 inches
Comparative size: Red-tailed hawk
Description: Slender body; long, narrow wings; long legs; brown upperparts and white underparts; white head with a broad brown stripe through the eye and on side of face
Range: Throughout most of Alaska, Canada, and the United States into Mexico, and Central and South America
Habitat: Salt marshes, rivers, ponds, reservoirs, estuaries, seacoasts, and coral reefs
Eggs: Creamy to pinkish cinnamon with reddish-brown spots
Collective noun(s): A duet of osprey