Phylum chordata
kingdom Animalia
Class Aves
family Pandionidae
order Accipitrformes
genus Pandion
species P.haliaetus
All subspecies
Pandion haliaetus Haliaetus
Pandion haliaetus Carolinesis
Pandion haliaetus Ridgwayi
Pandion haliaetus Cristatus
closest living relative
Sole member of family but the closest living relative is Accipitriformes
3 ancestors of the osprey
Pandion Homaloptreon
Accipitriform
And other raptor precursors
Physical description
coloration-Dark brown and white underparts with distinct dark eye colors
wings- Long and narrow creating an M shape during flight
Feet-Sharp talons to grip branches and small grippy foot pads to grab fish
Key characterisitcs
99% fish diet
Specialized feet for catching fish
Nests in tall trees to hide from elements
Size
1.5-1.9 Meter wingspan
Body length 50-65 inches
Weight
Male weights 1.2-1.6 KG
female weights 1.6-2.0 KG
Life span
In the wild ospreys live 7-10 years on average though some can live up to 30 years
in captivity most can live up to 30 years
Differences between male and female ospreys
Females are more bulky and have more profound necklines
Males are more sleek and aerodynamic
How much rainfall on Average in habitat area
Near rivers or creeks but must be around fresh water as ospreys need fresh water food source to survive and around these fresh water sources theres and average of 25-100 cm of rain per year
plants around habitat
mangroves reeds and other aquatic plants
coniferous trees near lakes for nesting purposes
Animals
Prey freshwater fish species
Co-habitants waterbirds like herons and gulls
Predators are most time eagles racoons and large gulls
Temperature
ospreys are quite adaptable and can live in a wide variety of temperatures but often breed in cooler climates and migrate north to warmer climates
Terrain
ospreys prefer areas around large bodys of water such as rivers lakes and coast lines
Continents found
Ospreys are found in every continent except Antarctica
Invasive at all
Ospreys are not invasive in any continent
What exactly does it eat
Ospreys are carnivores and feed primarily on fish
How often does it eat
ospreys on average eat 1-2 times a day depending of the availability of food
How does it get it’s food
ospreys dive into the water with special claws to catch fish in the water
Any special foods
While they primarily eat fish, ospreys have occasionally been observed eating other small aquatic animals like amphibians
Live in packs or solo
Ospreys are mostly solitary birds, but they form loose colonies
Roles within community
Ospreys do not have a defined social hierarchy, They focus on mating and raising offspring.
Male or Female led groups
Ospreys do not live in structured groups and split up most day to day tasks
Individuals that make up the group
During breeding, an osprey pair form a unit and work together to raise chicks
How do they interact with each other
Ospreys communicate using calls and body language, especially during mating
How often do they mate
Ospreys mate once per breeding season
How many mates do they have
Ospreys are monogamous, often mating with the same partner year after year.
Time of year for mating
Mating season varies by location but generally occurs in spring March to May
Mating rituals
Males perform aerial displays alongside sound calls
Number of offspring produces at a time
Ospreys lay 2-4 eggs per mating season
Any unique characteristics of their mating
ospreys are one of the few raptors that form long term bonds with their mates
Stages of development
Egg Stage: Incubation lasts about 35–43 days
Nestling Stage: Chicks remain in the nest for 7–8 weeks after hatching, dependent on parents for food
Fledging: Juveniles leave the nest but stay nearby for a few weeks as they learn to hunt
How old before sexual maturity
2-
Activities and environment of stages
Difference between males and females