Osprey

Brown upperparts and predominantly white underparts. The head is white with a distinctive dark mask across the eyes. Females often have a thicker 'necklace' of dark feathers on the breast than males. Juveniles have buff-fringed feathers on their back, giving a spotted appearance.

White head with dark eye stripe, white underparts with dark wrist patches visible in flight, and hooked black beak.

Length: 50–66 cm (20–26 in); Wingspan: 127–180 cm (50–71 in); Weight: 0.9–2.1 kg (2–4.6 lbs).

A series of high-pitched, whistling chirps or pips: 'cheep-cheep-cheep'.

Almost exclusively fish (99%). They hunt by hovering over water and diving feet-first to snatch prey with specialized barbed talons.

Near any body of water with adequate fish supply, including salt marshes, estuaries, large lakes, and reservoirs.

Most North American and European populations are long-distance migrants, wintering in South America or Africa. Some populations in warmer climates are residents.

Builds large stick nests (eyries) at the tops of trees, cliffs, or artificial platforms. They usually lay 2-4 eggs and both parents protect the nest, though the female does most incubation.

Bald Eagle (larger, different color pattern) and various Gulls (much smaller, different beak and flight style).

As an apex predator of fish, they are excellent indicators of aquatic ecosystem health and water quality.

Least Concern (IUCN); population is generally increasing following the ban of DDT.

Look near large bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and coasts. They are frequently seen perched on tall snags, utility poles, or nesting platforms.

Ospreys have reversible outer toes and barbed pads on their feet (spicules) to help them grip slippery fish. They always carry fish head-first to make them more aerodynamic during flight.