Common Name:
Osprey
Scientific Name:
Gavia immer
Unique Qualities:
With the feet of an owl and the eyesight of an eagle, the osprey is among the most successful hunters or fishers among the birds of prey. It can catch fish that equals their size! This is probably why they are nicknamed, “fish hawk.”
Ospreys are raptors that have four equal toes. The cool thing about them is that the outer ones are reversible, allowing them to grip their prey better…especially when they are slippery!
Can be Seen:
Ospreys can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They are most commonly found in North America.
Likes to Hang Out:
They are often found around wetlands, seashore, coastal marshes, lakes and rivers.
Likes to Eat:
Ospreys like to eat all types of fishes.
Status:
The osprey has not been evaluated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), although many scientists believe the species is on the road to recovery after experiencing a drastic population decline in the 1950-1970s due to pesticide poisoning.
