![]() In flight, possibly confused at a distance with large gulls, especially adult Great Black-backed Gull ( Larus marinus), but latter has all white head and tail, longer bill, white trailing edge to wing, and no crook to wings. Not easily confused with other birds of prey, except perhaps the adult Bald Eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus), which is larger, with all white head and tail. CallĪ series of sharp "kee, kee, kee." Near the nest, a frenzied cheereek! Similar To These birds build large nests: at least 3 feet deep and 5 feet wide, although they. The osprey is well adapted to its diet, with reversible outer toes to hold captured fish securely during flight, closable nostrils to exclude water during dives, and spiny pads on the talons to help catch fish. A females wingspan can reach 5 feet, while a males approaches 4 feet. Four "finger" feathers at the end of each wing are distinctive. Wings are long and narrow, with distinctive bend at "wrists" so that wingtips angle slightly backwards. Juveniles are similar to adults, but with orange eyes and whitish mottling on back feathers. "Necklace" of brown spots across breast is more pronounced in females, which also tend Upper tail is dark brown with paler bands under tail is barred with gray. Crown and forehead are also white with brown streak that runs from the beak, around the eye, and to the nape. Back and upper surface of wings are dark chocolate-brown. White belly and throat breast is mostly white with some brown mottling. Longer in wing, tail, claw, and bill length. On average, females weigh about 15–20% more than males, and are 5–10% The osprey is one of the largest birds of prey in North America.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |