Osprey

The osprey is a large bird of prey measuring 22-25 inches (56-64 cm) with a wingspan of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m). The sexes are nearly alike in plumage, but the female is slightly larger than the male. Adult plumage is dark brown above and white below. The white head has a dark crown with a characteristic dark brown streak on each side. Juvenile plumage resembles that of the adult, with buff to white tips on the feathers of the back and upper wing. In flight, the osprey's long, narrow wings appear to have a crook at the wrist where dark patches are also apparent.