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Osprey
A specialised, fish-eating bird of prey, most akin to the buzzards or eagles in general appearance.
It has a long hook on the bill, used for tearing apart fish, and has specially adapted legs and feet, with an outer toe that can turn backwards, spiny scales on the soles of the feet and remarkably long, arched, pointed claws, all ideal for grasping muscular fish. It catches fish by diving.
There is just one species, very widely spread around the world.
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Seen in flight from below the osprey has white or slightly mottled underparts. The long wings are angled, bending at the 'wrist' which has a black patch contrasting with the white wing linings, and at... More... |
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