Because of its highly visible nest, the Osprey is a prime indicator species that can be used to monitor habitat conditions, fish populations, and overall environmental health.įun Fact: An extinct species of osprey, the Pandion lovensis, was discovered through fossils here in Florida. They fledge at 8 weeks and reach sexual maturity at 3 years of age. The eggs do not hatch all at once but will hatch 3 to 5 days apart. Osprey mate for life and will have between 2 to 4, creamy white blotched brown eggs a year. A female Osprey will be attracted to the male that can provide the best nest.
Osprey nests are large platforms built mainly of large sticks, sod, and grasses high above the ground although they will use any high man-made structure. Their feet are barbed to be able to hold on to slippery fish.
They will soar high above their prey and dive feet first often submerging themselves to catch their prey. This is the only raptor with a reversible toe that can grasp prey with two toes in front and two toes in th e back. These raptors hunt for food by using their keen senses, especially their vision, and kill prey with their talons. They can reach 2 feet in length and have a 6-foot wingspan. These birds, also called the Fish Hawks, have a brown upper body, white underside, and a black line across their eyes. The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a medium-sized bird of prey that is commonly seen along with coastal habitats within Florida.
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