Osprey Frequently Asked Questions

Pandion haliaetus

 

Photo courtesy of Peter Wallack.  It is included on this website with written permission.

 

Are Ospreys present in the Gordon Flowage area?

Yes, but they are quite rare.

What is their general appearance?

Ospreys are large birds, black-brown on top and white below. Sometimes they are confused with Bald eagles.  The osprey’s white head has a broad, black cheek patch and its tail is barred with brown, whereas a mature eagle’s head and tail are entirely white. The osprey’s long, narrow wings are angled back at the wrist when it flies, and a black wrist patch contrasts with white underwings.  Bald eagles have broad, straight, dark wings. Also, Ospreys are smaller than eagles.

What do they eat?

The Osprey is the only Wisconsin bird of prey that plunges into the water to capture fish, usually pan fish. They search for fish while flying 30-100 feet above the water. If they spot prey, they hover, then plummet down, plunging into the water feet first.  If they catch the fish, they quickly take off, juggling it in their feet until its head is facing forward into the wind.

Is the Osprey an endangered specie?

No.  The current Wisconsin DNR classification (as of August 1, 1989)
is: Threatened.

Where can I get more information?

Wisconsin DNR Osprey Fact Sheet

 

Above answers include fact sheet excerpts courtesy of Wisconsin DNR.