Despite being very distinct, however, this raptor’s features can easily be confused with different types of hawks and eagles. Knowing how to identify ospreys properly can help birders better distinguish many birds by understanding what field marks to look for quickly to identify raptors, whether they are perched, flying or hunting.
Perched Osprey Identification
A perched osprey is easy to confuse with many brown hawks and eagles. Watching for these field marks can help you decide which species you’re observing.
Identifying Ospreys in Flight
Ospreys are often seen in flight, and identifying birds in flight can be tricky. Learning the key field marks for the bird’s wings is the best way to be able to confidently identify a soaring osprey.
Feeding Osprey Identification
Unlike many raptors that feed on the ground where their plumage blends in for camouflage, ospreys often feed on very visible, exposed perches. This can give birders an excellent view of the bird and the prey it is consuming, and the field marks to check are similar to those for a perched osprey.
Hunting Osprey Identification
Ospreys often hunt in prime fishing areas, and birders are privileged to watch this dramatic hunt in action. When a large raptor dives down on a fish, however, it can be moving so quickly that many field marks are obscured. Learning how to identify ospreys is easy once you learn the key field marks for this distinctive raptor. By understanding what makes ospreys unique, you can feel confident in identifying these amazing birds without confusing them with other eagles or hawks.
