Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Florida Native

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Class Aves

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Order Falconiformes

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Family Accipitridae

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Florida Native ~ Class Aves ~ Order Falconiformes ~ Family Accipitridae ~

Ospreys are a fish-eating bird of prey commonly found near water across the globe. Sometimes called “fish hawks”, Ospreys hunt by diving feet first and carrying off their prey in their talons. While their diet is mainly fish, Ospreys can, but rarely, eat small mammals, birds and reptiles.

Ospreys nest on tall trees breeding once per year and laying 2-4 eggs. In Florida, an easy way to see Ospreys during nesting season is to find nesting platforms built on utility poles. Nests may be reused each year with more material added each time, causing old nests to become huge. Their call is high-pitched peeps. They may get chased by Bald Eagles looking to steal their catch.

source:

Osprey. (n.d.). Audubon. https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/osprey