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Osprey
The osprey is a large raptor that has specialized feet to hold fish. They have dark brown upper parts, white under parts, a dark eye line and a light crown. Males have an all-white throat while females have a fine dark necklace. Their feathers are water-resistant which makes them ideal for catching fish.
216 Questions
What is the ospreys territory?
The Osprey is one of the most widely distributed birds in the world. It is found on ocean coasts and along the shorelines of large lakes and rivers on all continents and islands, except those in the polar and subpolar regions where water surfaces are frozen for most of the year, and a few very isolated islands in temperate and tropical zones.
Can an osprey be used for falconry?
In theory, possibly. However, many traits of the osprey make it nearly impossible to hunt with and even more so to upkeep. For one thing, the birds tend to perch in trees after catching their prey - and what can you offer an osprey that beats a fresh, juicy fish? She simply won't return to you after she's caught her meal.
Ospreys also don't do very well in captivity. They are known for becoming anorectic and refusing to eat.
Would a baby osprey make a strange sound at dusk?
Need more info. Ospreys are diurnal, however, which simply means they're active in daytime and thus has me skeptical as to whether your sounds are from that bird.
Owl's are very vocal at this hour and most owl's don't hoot, by the way, they have all kinds of other calls and noises. I'll stay tuned...
What problems affect the osprey?
Here's an answer for you:
The Osprey in many countries suffered from problems with DDT during the 1960s and 1970s but with the banning of DDT, it does not seem to be a major problem at the moment (although DDT is still used in countries outside of Europe).
But in the future, other pollutants may cause similar problems.
Destruction of suitable wetlands and trees that Ospreys can use for building their nests is a concern, at least in some areas. The Osprey prefers old pine trees for nesting in many countries, but the intensification in forest management has lead to the removal of suitable trees.
Illegal hunting during migration is probable not a huge problem at the moment but can still occur in some countries (for example on Malta).
Disturbance during the incubation and chick rearing period by tourism or forest management can result in the failure of breeding attempts [Mebs & Schmidt 2006].
Egg theft was a huge problem, especially for the recovering population in Scotland (see [Dennis 2008] for details) in the 1970s and 1980s. Today it can still occur but is probably no longer a big problem (which does not mean it should be neglected).
Yound Ospreys can get entangled in nylon fishing line or have hooks embedded in their throats [Dennis 2008].
In the future, overfishing along the African cost (mostly by European ships) could dramatically reduce fish stocks there. That would also affect wintering Osprey populations
Are ospreys common in Michigan?
Ospreys are common worldwide, so I'm guessing that includes Michigan.
What kind of nest does a killdeer make what kind of area does killdeer need for safe nesting?
Killdeer typically create simple nests, which are shallow depressions in the ground lined with small pebbles, gravel, or sand. They prefer open areas for nesting, such as fields, shorelines, or gravelly surfaces, where they can easily spot potential threats. These locations often have minimal vegetation, allowing for better visibility and easy access to foraging grounds. The chosen site is usually away from dense shrubbery or tall grass, which can provide cover for predators.
Ospreys inhabit waterways, ocean shores and large lakes. They are hunting birds that prey on other water birds and animals that live near water.
What is a good description of an osprey?
large bird, seen by water, big claws, black brownish white, huge nests, body 24 inches long, large wingspan
The osprey has two enemies. One is pesticides -- the species was nearly done in by DDT and the like a few decades ago. It has bounced back and is now regarded, not as endangered, but threatened. The other enemy is the eagle. Eagles like fish and, when the opportunity presents itself, would rather take one from an osprey than catch one itself. Many observers have reported seeing eagles swoop down upon an osprey to steal the fish it is carrying. The osprey may drop its catch right away or it may try some evasive tactics. But dodging an eagle while carrying a fish is not easy, and sooner or later the osprey drops the fish and the eagle catches it in midair.
Is the osprey listed as a protected bird by the Federal Fish and Wildlife?
Yes, all birds of prey are protected.
Osprey's behave much the same as other Hawks in that they're solitary animals unless nesting and are very keen. They differ in that they are the only hawk species to dive under water to catch fish. They flap their wings slowly, soetimes sailing and often hover before diving feet first from up to 100 ft in the air. They whistle you-you-you or have a complaining shriek, shriek, shriek
How does the Osprey attract mates?
Just like any other bird, The males are born with more exotic more beautiful feathers to attract a mate. Osprey make noises and show off their feathers. After that the female will deside from there.
What kinds of nests do ospreys build?
Osprey build a fairly large nest of sticks in the top of a dead tree or on a man-made nesting platform.
Usually they will pick a very high place near a body of water, and use sticks and branches and long grasses to build it out of.
North American Range
The Osprey is a unique bird that is unmistakable when seen at close range. It is the only species in its family, and it is found worldwide. Its breast and belly are mostly white, with some dark streaks. The white extends out the wings, but the primaries, secondaries, and tail feathers are mottled black and white. The back is mostly black or dark brown. The head is distinctive with a white crest, a face bisected by a dark eye stripe, and yellow eyes. While there is much variation, the female tends to have a streakier breast than the male. The Osprey's talons are uniquely adapted for catching and carrying fish: their surfaces are rough, and their toes can be held with three forward and one back, or with two forward and two back, an arrangement seen in owls but not in other diurnal raptors. In flight, they are most often confused with gulls because of their long wings, which are bent at the wrist. However Ospreys have a bounce to their flight that gulls lack. Osprey are birds of prey which have a similar body structure as to hawks. Osprey eat:
- fish
- mice
- small insects
fish
Ospreys eat mainly live fish. Although they are not above eating any dead fish they come across, they are not scavengers. They occasionally also take other small prey such as snakes, rodents, other aquatic prey and even other birds.
