Osprey

The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a bird of prey known for its exceptional fishing abilities. The Osprey is also sometimes called "sea hawk", "river hawk" or "fish hawk". Despite its nicknames, the Osprey isn’t a hawk at all. The Osprey belongs to its own distinct family called Pandionidae.

The Osprey is relatively easy to recognise: its head is white with a brown stripe through the eye. The upper part of the Osprey's body is covered with dark brown feathers, and the lower part with white feathers. Ospreys have long, narrow wings. Their wingspan measures between 150 and 180 cm (59–71 inches). The Osprey's wings form an M-shape in the sky when seen from below.

Another distinctive feature of the Osprey is its feet. Ospreys hover over the water and dive feetfirst into the water to catch fish. They have reversible outer toes that help them grab fish with two talons in front and two behind. Their toes are covered with tiny spines called spicules that help them hold onto slippery fish.