CONSERVATIONĪlthough still widespread and numerous, many populations of osprey are declining due to pollution and overfishing. The osprey devotes much time to keeping its plumage in good condition, removing any sticky fish scales and reapplying oil from the preen gland above its tail to keep its feathers waterproofed.Ī Sitting pretty Between dives, the osprey dries, preening its feathers. At this time, loose colonies of as many as 30 birds sometimes gather on estuaries or along rich stretches of coastline. Individual ospreys migrate singly, but often in the company of other birds of prey, such as red-tailed hawks and kestrels. The osprey flourishes in a wide range of climates, but northern populations migrate south in winter as waters become cold or frozen, driving fish to greater depths. In all habitats, the osprey seeks tall trees to perch and nest in, but will also use electricity poles, harbor buoys, bridges and abandoned buildings. Inland, it’s found near lakes, rivers and marshes. It can live wherever it has year-round access to clear, unpolluted waters - salty or fresh - that contain plentiful supplies of small- to medium-sized surface-feeding fish.įavored saltwater habitats include rocky, sandy or forested coastlines, remote oceanic islands, salt marshes and tropical mangrove swamps. The osprey’s range is limited only by the availability of its specialized diet.
A Waterside bird The osprey exploits any habitat where it can fish.
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