Kites, Hawks, Eagles

Osprey, Pandion haliaetus

Family Accipitridae (Kites, Hawks, Eagles)

Size: 23"; female larger than male

Season: Summer

Habitat: Always near water, salt or fresh

Also known as the fish hawk, the osprey exhibits a dramatic feeding method, plunging feetfirst into the water to snag fish. Sometimes it completely submerges itself, then laboriously flies off with its heavy catch. It is dark brown above and white below and has a distinct, dark eye stripe contiguous with the nape. Females often show a pale, mottled “necklace” across the breast, and juveniles have pale streaking on the back. The osprey flies with an obvious crook at the midwing, appearing gull-like, and its wings are long and narrow, with a dark carpal patch. The adult male is illustrated.