Seen in flight from below the osprey has white or slightly mottled underparts. The long wings are angled, bending at the 'wrist' which has a black patch contrasting with the white wing linings, and at a distance it could be mistaken for a large gull. This spectacular fish-eating bird of prey is an Amber List species because of its historical decline (due to illegal killing), and low breeding numbers.
Key ID Features
Contrasting dark brown upperparts and white underparts.
White head with dark stripe running through piercing yellow eye.
Large broad wings are slightly kinked when gliding.
Rather gull like from a distance but often seen hovering over water ready to take fish in large talons.
Tail is short with transluscent pale bands.
Overview
Scientific name: Pandion haliaetus
Family: Osprey (Pandionidae)
Where to see them:
Its main UK stronghold is in Scotland (with some sites in North East England) where you can visit many nest sites with public viewing facilities, including Loch Garten (Highland), Wigtown (Dumfries and Galloway) and Loch of the Lowes (Perthshire). In 2001 it began breeding in England at Bassenthwaite in Cumbria, at Rutland Water (where it was introduced) and there are two pairs with viewing facilities in Wales. Can be seen at almost any large body of freshwater during spring and autumn migration.
Seen in UK:
Birds arrive back from Africa in late March and April, leaving again in August and September.
What they eat
Fish.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
