Physical characteristics:

Ospreys are large birds with a wingspan of 5 1/2 feet (1.67 meters). They only weigh about 3 pounds (1.4 kg). These unusual raptors have scaly feet to grab on to their slippery prey. And their really strong to hold their prey and fly.

Habitat:

Ospreys live all over the world except Australia and Antarctica. They need to live near bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans. Their nests are usually on islands or beaches away from predators.

Diet:

Ospreys prey on types of fish. They use their rough, scaly feet, so the fish doesn’t slip away. They eat flounder, smelt, mullet, bullhead, sucker, gizzard shad fish. They hunt alone.

Life cycle:

Ospreys live up to 30 years in the wild, and 35 years in captivity. They mate up North, and then they fly back South when it gets too cold. These amazing birds of prey lay about 3-4 eggs a year.

Evolution:

I believe that the osprey evolved from a late fishing species of the archaeopteryx. But it probably had bad eyesight so it evolved into the osprey, that had really good eyesight.

Fun facts:

1. An osprey can sound like a thin, shrill whistle.
2. Its scientific name is Pandion haliaetus.
3. Their nests look like big baskets.