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How to Identify an Osprey

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

If you heard the peep of an osprey before you saw one, you would be surprised by the size of the bird behind the cute little voice. This large raptor, classified in the same family as eagles and hawks, often gets mistaken for a Bald Eagle. Read this article for tips to identify this majestic bird of prey, often called the Fisk Hawk or Eagle Hawk, which can be found near lakes and rivers virtually anywhere in the world.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Notice the head of the osprey, which displays distinctive features. It has a hooked bill with dark coloring, whereas its eyes gleam yellow. The crown is usually brown or grey. Dark strips of coloring surround each eye and sweep down the side of the head to meet together over the back of the neck. The throat, neck and forehead contrast these stripes with white coloring.

Step2

Identify the characteristic body features of this large bird whose body usually grows to between 16 and 32 inches. Its back is solid brown, its belly is solid white and its breast sometimes boasts a streaking or striping pattern. Its legs and feet are gray or white. Males and females have similar body styles.

Step3

Recognize the osprey's flight pattern. First see its long tapered wings and square tail. The bird flies with deep and slow wing beats punctuated by occasional glides. The under-wings and under-tail sport a checkered brown and white design.

Step4

Find the osprey worldwide except in Antarctica. The birds usually reside near large bodies of water and feed mostly on fish. They eat in mid-morning and late afternoon by diving into the water feet first to pluck their prey. They have monogamous relationships and do migrate.

Step5

Listen for the bird's vocalization style, exemplified by a short musical whistle. Its warning and begging cries are noticeably tame for a bird of its size.

Step6

Distinguish the osprey from the Bald Eagle, which is commonly confused. The Bald Eagle's entire head and tail are white, whereas its wings and under-parts are black. In flight, the osprey demonstrates a prominent crook in its wing and displays a black mark at its "wrist."