Ospreys

The Osprey family includes just one unique species found on every continent except Antarctica. These distinctive birds of prey are well known for hunting fish. They hover above water before diving feet first to catch their prey, using outer toes that can move backwards and spiny pads on their feet to hold onto slippery fish. When flying, Ospreys have long, narrow wings held in a bent M-shape, with dark patches near the wrist area that stand out against their pale underwings. Their white underparts and a dark stripe through the eye on a pale head make them easy to identify. Unlike most other birds of prey, they almost only eat fish and live near coasts, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs where fish are plentiful. In the UK, Ospreys visit during the summer and mainly breed in Scotland, although their range is slowly moving further south. They spend the winter in West Africa. Their large nests, made from sticks, are built on tall trees, specially made platforms, or sometimes on pylons close to good fishing spots.