Osprey Pandionidae
The Osprey is the sole member of it's family, and is one of the most widespread of all species. They are found on every continent (except Antarctica). As an example: I once watched an Osprey migrating north over Norfolk (England), to it's breeding grounds in Scotland. A week later, I observed another halfway across the world in Singapore! Although not globally threatened, their numbers greatly declined during the mid 1900's. This was due in part to the much widespread use of pesticides such as DDT. In Europe, many fell victim to senseless shooting and egg-collecting. Even today, many birds are unfortunately shot during migration as they pass through the Mediterranean, e.g. on the island of Malta.

Pandion

This is the only species in the genus and family.

The Osprey Pandion haliaetus is typically associated with coastal areas, and freshwater lakes and rivers. They feed almost exclusively on fish, hence their name "fish-eagle". They have a reversible outer toe and spiny foot pads which enable them to easily grasp and carry slippery fish. This photograph shows one of seventeen birds that I observed at Choya Bay, near Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico. They were actively catching fish that were left behind in shallow waters by the receeding tide.



Home  

Tony@artfullbirds.com