Pandion haliaetus - latin name for the Osprey black brown to chocolate brown and white.  Young birds resemble adults but are much more heavily streaked on the head with body feathers tipped with white or buff.  Wingspan reported up to 6 feet long.     (left) female Osprey sits on left, male on right - note the "necklace" of speckles on the female's breast.  Eye color is yellow, males generally a little smaller than the females. (right) two chicks. Chicks, when very young, have a white stripe down their backs.  That combined with their muted colors allow them to blend right into the nest.      (left) adult female - notice the yellow eyes (right) immature Osprey with brownish red eyes Recognizing the Osprey from below - has distinctive black or dark brown patches at the crook of the wing, tail is banded, white body.  Can you guess if this is a male or female? Interesting fact - Ospreys are equipped with sharp talons, one of which is opposable, and the bottoms of their feet rough.   This allows an Osprey to catch and hold their slippery prey without fear of dropping it.   Notice the talons - two on top, two below When the Osprey flies, it holds the fish facing forward to reduce drag. Species Profile History In Branford History In Connecticut Breeding Reports Hazards/Laws Community Outreach Gallery Of Images