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Birdle

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Osprey

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

Sometimes called the fish hawk, the Osprey is a large raptor with dark brown upperparts, a white underside, and a distinctive dark eye stripe. Found on every continent except Antarctica, it hunts exclusively by plunging feet-first into water to snatch fish. Unique among raptors, its outer toe is reversible, giving it a two-and-two grip perfectly adapted for holding slippery prey.

Fun Fact

Ospreys are the only raptor that dives feet-first into water and can close their nostrils to keep water out.

Attributes

TypeRaptor
Habitatcoastal, wetland
SizeLarge
Dietfish
FlightSoaring
Colorsbrown, white
MigratoryYes
ContinentsNorth America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania
Nest Typeplatform
ConservationLeast Concern
Difficulty: medium