What bird is that?

by Frank M. Chapman

OSPREYS. FAMILY PANDIONIDÆ

OSPREY
Pandion haliætus carolinensis. [Case 3], Fig. 14

The Osprey or Fish Hawk is often miscalled 'Eagle,' but it is a smaller bird with white, instead of blackish underparts. L. 23.

Range. The Osprey is found throughout the greater part of the world; the American form occurs in both North and South America and winters from the southern United States southward, starting northward in March.

Washington, uncommon S.R., Mch. 19-Nov. 30. Ossining, common T.V., rare S.R., Apl. 3-May 26; Sept. 29-Oct. 20. Cambridge, rather common T.V., Apl.-May; Sept.-Oct. N. Ohio, rare S.R., Apl. 20-Oct. Glen Ellyn, two records, May and Sept.

The Osprey, or Fish Hawk, feeds on fish and nothing but fish. He is, therefore, never found far from his fishing grounds, where no one who has seen him plunge for his prey and rise with it from the water will doubt his ability to supply his wants. Ospreys usually nest in trees at varying distances from the ground, but sometimes on cliffs or even on the ground itself, and return year after year to the same nest. The Osprey's alarm note is a high, loud, complaining whistle, frequently repeated. The eggs are laid in late April and early May. They are usually four in number, buffy white, heavily marked with chocolate.

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