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Worldwide, there are four sub-species of osprey. For clarification, this page will focus on Pandion haliaetus carolinesis, the North American subspecies. Osprey are large birds of prey, measuring around 20-25 inches tall with a wingspan of roughly 70 inches across. Although osprey are similar in size to many larger hawks and falcons, they have a unique coloration which sets them apart. Osprey have a white crown, breast, and belly, with dark brown wings and a unique dark brown eye stripe. Their beaks are dark and hooked, and their talons are pale with dark claws. Female osprey have a speckled 'necklace' on their breast and juvenile osprey have a mostly speckled body.
Older chicks and juveniles have brown upper-parts with extensive pale edging.
Bald Eagles might be mistaken for Ospreys when viewed from far away, despite their larger size. Juvenile Bald Eagles (left) have brown feathers, but have little white on their heads and no black eye stripe. Adult Bald Eagles always have a white head (see to the right).
Bald Eagles might be mistaken for Ospreys when viewed from far away, despite their larger size. Juvenile Bald Eagles (left) have brown feathers, but have little white on their heads and no black eye stripe. Adult Bald Eagles always have a white head (see to the right).
Turkey Vulture
In flight eagles will have a white head. Turkey and Black vultures will have lighter feathers on the tips of their wings while ospreys have black tips and a white tail underneath.
In flight eagles will have a white head. Turkey and Black vultures will have lighter feathers on the tips of their wings while ospreys have black tips and a white tail underneath.
Osprey
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