Wild Windows · Osprey
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
A medium-large raptor that lives exclusively on a diet of fish — the only North American raptor that does. Found on every continent except Antarctica. Famous for migrating thousands of miles between North American breeding grounds and South American wintering sites.
Natural History
Habitat
Wetland and coastal areas worldwide; nests on tall structures near water — dead trees, navigation channels, utility poles, or human-built platforms.
Diet
Live fish, caught by diving feet-first into water from heights of up to 30 meters.
Lifespan
Up to 20 years in the wild.
Behavior
Forms strong, often lifelong pair bonds. Returns to the same nest each year, adding sticks until it can weigh hundreds of pounds. Both parents share incubation and chick care.
Classroom Facts
- An osprey's feet have spiky pads called spicules that grip slippery fish.
- They have a reversible outer toe that lets them carry fish parallel to their body to reduce air drag.
- Some ospreys migrate over 6,000 km twice a year between Montana and South America.
Live Cameras
25 osprey cameras in the catalog.
Each listing shows its current source, permission, and playback-verification state.
