Osprey

Background

This fast, sleek, streamlined Osprey is well adapted to hunting its prey. With razor sharp talons and excellent eye sight, this species can see its prey from approximately 40m away and travel up to 44 mph (70km/h). The Osprey, whilst adapted to catching fish, rarely dives more than 1 m below the surface.

Habitat

The osprey, due to its diet is commonly abundant around a number of water bodies such around the, coasts, wetlands, swamps and mangroves. The geographical distribution is patchy across North and South America, Eurasia, Africa and the coasts of Australia.

Diet

The Osprey is fully adapted to hunting fish and can see their prey from up to 40 meters away.

Predators & Threats

Like a number of birds DDTs and other pollutant chemicals are a heavy influence in the fatality rate of these animals.

Facts

• Their wingspan can be up to 1.75 m.
• At present, there are about 200 breeding pairs in Scotland, which has taken up about 90% of the suitable habitats for this species.

Best Time to Look

March - October.