25/10/2024
The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a unique bird of prey known for its skillful fishing abilities and distinctive appearance. It's found on every continent except Antarctica, usually around bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and coastlines. Here’s a closer look at some of its fascinating traits:
Diet and Hunting
Ospreys feed almost exclusively on fish. They are exceptional hunters, diving feet-first into the water to catch prey. They have specialized talons with a reversible outer toe and rough, spiny pads on their feet to grip slippery fish securely.
Habitat and Range
Ospreys are found near water sources around the world. They migrate between continents, and in Europe, they are known to travel between northern breeding grounds and warmer areas in Africa. They are often spotted in the Danube Delta, where they nest near the water and hunt in its rich fishing grounds.
Breeding and Nesting
Ospreys typically build large nests on high platforms like dead trees, cliffs, or even artificial structures. Their nests, made of sticks and lined with softer materials, are reused and added to each year. Both parents care for the young until they’re ready to leave the nest after about two months.
Danube Delta, Romania
© Florin Stavarache
