Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

(P. h. haliaetus)

Armenian Name:	Ջրարծիվ
Species Status:	Endangered Species - Species of Special Concern

See Plate 8 for Osprey and other similar species See Plate 13 for Osprey and other similar species in flight

Flight Characteristics:	Long narrow wings. From below shows prominent white belly and white head with long black eyestripe; underwing shows dark carpal patch, secondaries, and tips of primaries. Glides and flaps with wings raised and bent back at their midpoint. Frequently hovers over water looking for prey.
Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Rare
Length:	55-58 cm, Wing Span:145-170 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 26.
Description:	Large black and white raptor with relatively narrow wings and short tail; wings held bowed in flight.
Adult:	White head with dark eyestripe. Dark overall above, white below; variable pale gray band across upper breast.
Juvenile:	Lighter above and less marked below with narrower breast band.
Similar Species:	Differs from Short-toed Snake-Eagle by dark carpal patch on long narrow wings.
Behavior:	Often hovers before plunging feet first after fish. Perches on prominent branch or post.
Habitat:	Rivers, lakes, and ponds with cliffs or forests along the shore.
Food:	Fish, rarely frogs.
Nest:	Large platform of branches in tree or on cliff ledge.
Eggs:	62 mm, 2-3, white, red-brown blotches.