Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

This fishing raptor is a rangy bird with a white breast and belly, and dark wings and back. It hovers over the water, and then dives with its feet stretched out next to its head to catch fish in its talons, making a huge splash. An Osprey struggling to get into the air with a large, squirming fish will streamline its cargo by turning the fish in its talons until it faces forward.

Fun Fact:
An adult Osprey can fly carrying a fish as heavy as itself.

What’s for Lunch:
Fresh-caught fish

Where’s Home:
The estuary or freshwater marsh, year-round