Eastern Osprey

Pandion haliaetus cristatus

Photo: Shirley Hitschmann

Photo: Stephen Goldsworthy

Photo: Shirley Hitschmann

Bird Description:

A large, fish-eating raptor commonly found along Australia’s coastlines, known for its distinctive M-shaped wings and dramatic hunting dives.

Special features:

Exceptionally long wingspan (~180 cm) with finger-like feathers.

Sharp talons and reversible outer toes for gripping slippery fish.

Builds large stick nests atop dead trees or man-made structures

Did you know?:

Eastern Ospreys are known for their impressive fishing technique: they hover above water before plunging feet-first to snatch fish near the surface. Their nests, reused year after year, can become massive over time.

View more information on this bird at Birdlife Australia: https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Pandion-cristatus

Habitat: Aerial, Coastal

Location: 1770-Foreshore, 1770-Joseph Banks Cons Park Nth, 1770-Joseph Banks Cons Park Sth, 1770-LARC Bird Tour, 1770-Sandbar, AW-Discovery Trails, Deepwater NP, Eurimbula NP, Ocean Beaches

Size: Large

Type of bird: Birds of Prey