Flying Fishermen III

Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) exhibit a suite of specialized evolutionary adaptations for efficient fishing, making them one of the few raptors almost exclusively piscivorous.

Their reversible outer toe—zygodactyl arrangement—allows them to grip slippery fish with two toes facing forward and two backward, enhancing hold strength.

The undersides of their toes are covered with rough spicules—tiny, backward-facing barbs—that help secure live, wriggling prey.

Ospreys also possess dense, oily plumage that resists waterlogging during dives, and closable nostrils that prevent water intake when they plunge feet-first into lakes or coastal waters.

Their long, curved talons are sharply hooked and specialized for penetrating fish scales, while their visual acuity is exceptional, tuned to detect contrast and movement from up to 130 feet above the water.

Combined, these physiological traits enable the osprey to capture live fish in about one out of every four dives—a remarkably high success rate among avian predators.