
Osprey (Fish Hawk, River Hawk)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Pandionidae, Genus: Pandion, Species: P. haliaetus
Family: Pandionidae (Ospreys)
- Shape
- Symmetrical to slightly asymmetrical vane, rounded tip, broadly oblong with distinct dark and white banding
- Size
- Approximately 8 to 10 inches long, consistent with a medium-to-large secondary flight feather for an Osprey
- Rarity
- Common throughout suitable aquatic habitats globally
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Description
A striking raptor feather characterized by bold dark brown and white barring. Ospreys are large, specialized fish-eating hawks with long, angled wings and a distinctive white head with a dark eye mask
Colour & Pattern
Striking pattern of bold dark brown/blackish bars contrasting against a clean white or pale buff background, with a stout whitish-yellow rachis
Barb Structure
Strongly pennaceous through the main vane with tightly interlocked barbicels, transitioning to plumulaceous downy barbs at the extreme base of the calamus
Texture & Surface
Stiff, firm, and smooth-textured vane with a matte finish, designed to withstand high aerodynamic friction during flight and diving
Key Features
Distinctive alternating dark brown and white transverse bands across a broad vane with a pale yellowish-white rachis
Habitat
Near bodies of fresh or salt water including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, bays, and coastal marine habitats with abundant fish populations
Geographic Range
Cosmopolitan distribution; found worldwide near major bodies of water across every continent except Antarctica
Ecological Role
Acts as an apex aquatic predator and key ecological indicator for the health of freshwater and marine aquatic ecosystems
Similar Species
Bald Eagle or large Buteo hawk feathers, distinguished here by the specific high-contrast broad brown-and-white banding pattern unique to Osprey wing feathers
Interesting Facts
Ospreys are one of the few raptor species with a reversible outer toe, allowing them to grasp slippery fish with two toes facing forward and two backward
Condition Notes
Good overall condition with intact barbs and minimal fraying, showing standard wear typical of a naturally molted feather found in the field
Notes
Found in revelstoke, BC - in the bushes by the river