Eastern Osprey

Description:

The Osprey is a medium-sized fish-eating raptor (bird of prey). It has dark brown upperparts contrasting with pale underparts. There is a black band through the eye, separating the white throat from the pale crown. The Osprey has a rather small head and neck and typically swivels its head around or sways its head from side to side. When it is perched, there is a short bristly crest. The eyes are placed well forward on the head. The fingered wings in flight are narrow and angled distinctively. There are dark carpal patches on the underwing (at the bend in the wing). The beak is strongly hooked and the legs are powerful. The female is similar to the male but is larger and has a fuller, darker breast band. The Osprey is also called the Fish Hawk or White-headed Osprey.

Habitat:

Many young Ospreys become entangled in nets or seaweed and drown. Persecution, egg collection and hunting has threatened European populations. Removal of old trees and disturbance has disrupted nesting, but Ospreys readily use artificial nesting platforms. Their fish prey may be contaminated by pesticides. Few Ospreys now breed on the New South Wales coast and they are listed as vulnerable.