What osprey eat?

Ospreys are raptorial birds of prey that belong to the family Pandionidae. As carnivores, they primarily feed on fish and other aquatic animals, including crustaceans, amphibians, and occasionally small mammals or birds. Their fish-catching skills have earned them the nickname "fish hawks." Their diet is centered around coastal areas, marshes, rivers, and lakes, where they can find their preferred prey.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of what ospreys eat:

1. Fish: Fish constitute the majority of an osprey's diet. They catch live fish from the water by diving or plunging headfirst from a height. With powerful claws adapted for fishing, they can carry fish back to their nests to feed themselves and their young. Common fish species consumed by ospreys include herring, trout, salmon, mullet, bass, and various types of freshwater fish.

2. Crustaceans: In addition to fish, ospreys also feed on crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters, and crayfish when they are available. Crabs are often snatched from mudflats or shallow waters along the coasts.

3. Amphibians: On some occasions, ospreys may capture amphibians like frogs if fish and crustaceans are scarce in their habitat.

4. Small Mammals: Ospreys are opportunistic hunters that may occasionally catch and eat small mammals like voles, mice, or rabbits as a supplementary food source.

5. Birds: Although not a primary part of their diet, ospreys may catch small birds, such as ducks or seabirds, in rare cases.

Ospreys have exceptional visual acuity that enables them to spot their prey from great heights while soaring in the sky. They employ their formidable talons to capture prey from the water or land and are known for their expert fishing techniques. Their diet reflects their ability to successfully hunt and feed in wetland and aquatic environments.