Diet
What do ospreys eat?
Almost entirely live fish caught in plunge-dives.
Ospreys (Pandionidae)OspreyPandion haliaetus
Spring and summer diet
- Fish of many kinds, 4–12 in long
Fall and winter diet
- Migrates to Central and South America
Best feeder foods
- None — a nest platform near water is the draw
Nests on poles, channel markers and purpose-built platforms; a platform near open water is often used.
Where ospreys need winter food
Regions where ospreys are present in the cold months:
Frequently asked
What do ospreys eat?
Almost entirely live fish caught in plunge-dives.
What is the best food to feed ospreys?
None — a nest platform near water is the draw.
What do ospreys eat in winter?
Migrates to Central and South America.
Sources
- Osprey — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Osprey life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Osprey — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.