The RSPB: Osprey

Osprey

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Latin name

Pandion haliaetus

Family

Osprey (Pandionidae)

Overview

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 a distance it could be mistaken for a large gull. This spectacular fish-eating bird of prey is an Amber List species because of its historical decline (due to illegal killing), and low breeding numbers.

Where to see them

Its main UK stronghold is in Scotland - nest sites with public viewing facilities are at Loch Garten, Speyside, and Loch of the Lowes, Perth. It recently began breeding in England at Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, where there is a public viewpoint, at Rutland Water (where it was introduced), and a pair can also be found in Wales in the Glaslyn valley where there is a public viewpoint. Can be seen at almost any large body of freshwater during spring and autumn migration.

When to see them

Birds arrive back from Africa in late March and April, leaving again in August and September.

What they eat

Fish

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	148 pairs	-	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Worldwide: All continents

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)