This large bird of prey is dark above, white below, and has a visible dark spot at the wrist of the wing when flying. The head is black and white. Juveniles have buffy-tipped dark feathers above. In flight, the wings have a noticeable angle or "crook."

This highly migratory fish-eating species is frequently found nesting along larger rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. A large bulky nest at the very top of a live, broken top,or dead tree and more recently on utility poles, channel markers, pilings, and cell phone towers near fishable waters is good evidence of Ospreys.

The Osprey breed statewide, in Oregon, except in arid treeless regions of the southeast part of the state. Nests are usually located within two miles of water with an accessible fish population.

In the summer of 2017, the Oregon Legislature declared the Osprey as Oregon's State Raptor.

Hear the call of the Osprey and learn more interesting facts on our Living with Wildlife, Osprey page. 

Photo by Blaine Fanning