Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Birds Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
 
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

General Description: Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) are large hawks that are dark above and light below. The head is white with a bold, dark stripe across the side of the head and neck. The wrists are dark below. Ospreys often fly with the wrist bent (see the side-view photo), forming a funny crook in the wings that helps with long-distance identification.

Favored Habitat: Ponds, marshes, and lakes.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Where to FindNeighborhood ponds, parks (e.g., Lorenzi Park and Sunset Park), the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, and Boulder Beach Marina at Lake Mead NRA. To find them in more natural habitat, visit the Pahranagat Valley or the Overton Wildlife Management Area.

Comments: Osprey are "fish hawks," so look for them flying and hovering over bodies of water while they hunt for fish. Osprey dive feet-first into the water to catch fish.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Osprey carrying a fish back to its nest. Note how Ospreys carry the fish with the head pointed forward to reduce aerodynamic drag. In this case, the bird may have already some of the fish, or it might have stolen it from some other predator.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Note how the bird holds the fish.
 
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