Overview of the Osprey
The osprey, also known as the sea hawk or fish
eagle is a bird of prey that hunts fish. It is
a large diurnal raptor, reaching 2 feet in length
with a wingspan of 6 feet. The osprey has a variety
of habitats, capable of nesting in any location
near a body of water with an adequate food supply.
They are found on all continents except Antarctica.
Four subspecies are recognized. The osprey is
unusual in that a single specie can live all of
the world - its perfectly adapted to any diet.
Even the differences between species are small.
The diet of an osprey is 99% fish. It typically
will catch fish weighing between 5 and 10 ounces,
but the weight can increase up to 68 ounces (over
4 pounds). Prey is first sighted when the osprey
is 32 to 130 feet above the water. The osprey
then hovers, and plunges feet first into the ocean,
using its talons to catch its prey.
Ospreys usually mate for life, and only rarely
has polyandry been recorded. Ospreys typically
live for 7 to 10 years, although some individuals
can grow to be between 20-25 years old. The oldest
European wild osprey is recorded to have live
for 30 years.
About the Author
Jacob Maddox manages content for Wildlife Animals
http://www.wildlife-animals.com
an educational wildlife and animal website. Jacob
also guest writes for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net
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