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.
Turkey Vulture
Osprey