The osprey, a formidable fish-hunting raptor, boasts a striking appearance with its white head adorned by a distinct brown eyestripe. In both males and females, the underparts generally sport a pristine white hue, while their upper plumage leans towards a rich brown, although females tend to exhibit a notable brownish patch on their chests.

The adults' striking yellow eyes add to their distinctive visage, while juveniles sport eyes with an orange hue. In flight, ospreys can sometimes be mistaken for oversized gulls or buzzards, but their silhouette presents a uniquely different shape that sets them apart.

When it comes to size, adult ospreys typically boast an impressive wingspan of approximately five feet. Females, however, tend to be around 20% larger than their male counterparts. While their wingspan is somewhat akin to that of a buzzard, it falls short of the majestic golden eagle, which can extend its wings to reach up to seven feet across.

Ospreys are surprisingly vocal birds, emitting a diverse range of calls. They frequently produce a repeated "cheep" or chirping sound, particularly when soliciting food. In times of heightened agitation or when faced with potential threats to themselves, their nests, or their young, the ospreys' "cheep, cheep, cheep" can escalate into a sharp and highly alarmed alarm call. Additionally, they possess the ability to emit a whistle-like sound.

Distinguishing between male and female ospreys can be challenging, as both sexes share similar physical characteristics. However, females tend to be more substantial, with a notable size advantage of up to 20%. Furthermore, females often exhibit a greater degree of brown coloring on their chest, colloquially referred to as a 'necklace.' Individual variations and unique markings, particularly on their heads, offer valuable identifiers for these magnificent birds of prey.

Habitat and Distribution