Scientific name:Pandion haliaetus Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable
Description
The Osprey is a large, water-dependent bird of prey, distinctive in flight and when perched. Despite its wing-span of up to 1.7 m, it is noticeably smaller than the White-bellied Sea-eagle. In flight it can be recognised by its distinctly bowed wings that are dark brown above, and barred underneath, and with white underwing coverts. Perched, the upperparts are dark brown and the underparts are white. The female has a dark streaky collar. The head is mainly white with a blackish stripe through the eye.
Location and habitat
Distribution Ospreys are found right around the Australian coast line, except for Victoria and Tasmania. They are common around the northern coast, especially on rocky shorelines, islands and reefs. The species is uncommon to rare or absent from closely settled parts of south-eastern Australia. There are a handful of records from inland areas.
Habitat and ecology
Favour coastal areas, especially the mouths of large rivers, lagoons and lakes.
Feed on fish over clear, open water.
Breed from July to September in NSW. Nests are made high up in dead trees or in dead crowns of live trees, usually within one kilometre of the sea. .
Incubation of 2-3 eggs, usually by the female, is about 40 days. Female remains with young almost until they fly, usually after about nine weeks in the nest.
Regional information This species is found in the following catchment management authority regions. Click on a region name to see more details about the distribution, vegetation types and habitat preference of the species in that region.
Removal of large trees near the coast that could be used as nest sites.
Disturbances to water quality, such as from the disposal of treated effluent or stormwater runoff, that increases turbidity in feeding areas.
Ingestion of fish containing discarded fishing tackle.
Recovery strategies
Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Department of Environment and Conservation has identified 9 priority actions to help recover the Osprey in New South Wales.
What needs to be done to recover this species?
Provide information to recreational anglers about the threat posed by discarding fish with attached or ingested fishing tackle.
Implement pollution control measures in estuarine and foreshore areas.
Protect coastal lakes, estuaries and their foreshore vegetation.
Protect potential nest tree sites and provide artificial nesting sites where required.
References
Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (eds.) (1993) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Olsen, P. (1995) Australian Birds of Prey. UNSW Press, Sydney.
Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. (2003) The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia 7th Edition. Menkhorst, P. (ed). HarperCollins.
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