Range

Ospreys are among the world’s most widespread birds and can be found on every continent except for Antarctica. The population in Australia is now considered to be a separate species known at the eastern osprey.

Habitat

They make their home near water. This can either be fresh or saltwater as long as there is enough area to support medium sized fish. This includes rivers, estuaries and along the coastline. They are not found far out to see unless on an islet or exposed reef.

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Reproduction

The breeding season is variable across their range.

They build a large nest known as an aerie. This is reused by the pair each season which means they can grow to be extremely large. Nests are built in trees or where they live near humans these birds may nest on a man-made structure such as a pole, tower, building or artificial nest platform.

This nest is formed from sticks. It may then be lined with twigs, grass, bark, fish bones and moss along with stranger items such as plastic bottles.

Females will deposit between 1 and 4 eggs in to the nest which are then incubated for 44-59 days. 1 brood is produced each year. Incubation is shared by both parents with the male going out to find food and bringing this back for the female.

As the chicks hatch it is staggered so each emerges from its egg a few days apart from the others. This means the first hatchling is dominant and if food becomes scarce it will outcompete its sibling for food.

Young fledge between 44 and 59 days old. After fledging they will spend 2-3 months learning how to hunt from their parents.

They will breed for the first time at 3 years old.

Behavior

To catch fish they will perform a feet-first dive in to the water. When they enter the water they can close their nostrils to ensure water does not enter it. They also have a nictitating membrane (third eyelid) which covers the eye when they enter the water. This is semi-transparent meaning they can see while the eye is protected.

Each year the osprey which live in the north of their range will move south for the winter.

They are mostly quiet but near their nest they will make some vocalizations.

Predators and Threats

During the 1950s the population of ospreys decreased due to the chemical DDT getting in to the ecosystem and leading to thin egg shells.

Further human threats include deforestation and the removal of eggs from their nest. They may also abandon their nest if disturbed by humans.

Currently the main threat is shooting.

Quick facts

They are also known as the ‘fish hawk,’ ‘sea hawk’ and ‘fish eagle.’