Osprey (Balbuzard pêcheur)

Introduction

OspreyThe osprey by its scientific name Pandion haliaetus is a species of medium-sized diurnal raptor. It is a specialized and cosmopolitan piscivorous. It is medium in size (58 cm), has long wings and belongs to the eagle family.

It is a rather different bird from other raptors. It displays a strong contrast between the dark brown back and the crisp white chest. He has dark patches on his wrists and has a pale head with a black patch over his eye. On the chest it has a dark band and its tail is streaked with white and black.

Its legs are bare and its toes are very powerful with long claws.

Because of its diet consisting mainly of fish, it only stays near lakes, rivers, large ponds and sometimes the sea coasts.

The osprey performs a spectacular courtship display serving to attract a female or to consolidate the bonds of an already established couple.

Cries and songs

His plaintive cry is « yeep yeep yeep ». Its cry is made up of a series of shrill whistles emitted in descrescendo.

Presence in Martinique

OspreyThe osprey is present in Martinique in particular around the sea coasts. You will be able to see it in particular in Vauclin near the fishing port, in mangrove areas or near rivers, in particular the great river at Grand'Rivière.

It is present on almost the entire globe from Asia to America. In winter, however, it leaves the northern regions and migrates to milder climates. European birds will winter in sub-Saharan Africa, North Americans in Central America, the Caribbean and South America. It is only absent in Antarctica.

Diet

OspreyThe osprey is an almost strict piscivore since fish make up 99% of its diet. It feeds on fish caught on the surface of the water. The ospreys generally weigh between 150 and 350 grams but can exceptionally reach 1 kg and measure from 20 to 35 cm.

His fishing technique is impressive. It locates its target by flying over it at a height of 10 to 20 meters or by practicing the hovering flight, it then dives, head first, wings folded and tighten forward. It only immerses its legs and comes out with its prey, which it transports to its nest or to a perch where it devours it.

Thanks to small bumps between the fingers and curved talons, it can hold even the most slippery fish. On the way to the perch, it is often harassed by crows or other raptors who want to steal its booty.

Protection / Threats

In Martinique, this species is not the subject of special protection. It was considered rare in the European Union but after several years of decline it seems that the population in some areas has started to increase again.