Eastern Osprey

Bird of prey

The Eastern osprey is a powerful bird of prey found along coasts and waterways in Australia and Southeast Asia. Known for its striking black-and-white plumage and hooked beak, it feeds almost exclusively on fish, which it captures with its sharp talons and reversible outer toes for a firm grip. Its distinctive high-pitched calls and impressive hunting dives make it a recognizable figure in its coastal habitats.

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SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Pandion cristatus

FAMILY:

Pandionidae

NATIONAL CONSERVATION STATUS:

Least Concern

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Fun Fact:

The Eastern osprey’s talons are uniquely adapted for gripping slippery fish. It has spiny pads on its feet and can rotate one of its toes backwards to create a more secure two-front-two-back grip! It also has specialized nostrils that can close when it dives into the water to catch fish, preventing water from rushing in and allowing for more precise hunting!