Osprey
Pandion haliaetus

Description:
A large bird measuring up to 24 inches in length. Dark brown above, white below, white crown, and a dark brown eyestripe.
Range:
Breeds in North America, Eurasia, Middle East, Australia, and Indonesia and winters in southern North America, Central America, South America, the West Indies, Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Distribution and Abundance in Florida:
Habitat(s):
Around rivers, streams, ponds, bays, and other bodies of water.
Reproduction:
1 to 4 pinkish eggs are laid in a large nest of sticks placed in trees, telephone poles, channel markers, and man-made nest platforms. Sometimes nests in colonies.
Natural History:
Food:
Known as "fish hawks", this species feeds on fish from coastal habitats, freshwater lakes and rivers.
Comments:
No longer listed in Florida as of 2018, but is part of the Imperiled Species Management Plan. Can be found year-round in Florida as both a nesting species and as a migrant passing between more northern areas and Central and South America in the spring and fall.
Synonyms:


Beryn Harty, 2021.