THE OSPEET. 



The Osprey, or Ossifrage, is so named because fragments of bones of considerable 

 magnitude have been found in its stomach. It inhabits the different countries of Europe 

 and North America ; though it generally prefers cold and even frozen regions, such as 

 Russia, Siberia, and Ivamschatka. From its usual habitat on the sea-shore, on the banks 

 of great rivers and lakes, over which it is continually hovering, it has been called the 

 Fish-hawk. 



The plumage of the Osprey, like that of all other birds, is precisely adapted to its 

 circumstances. It is beautifully compact. The wings are very long, and extend con- 

 siderably beyond the tip of the tail ; the general colour of the upper parts is rich, 

 glossy brow^l ; and the tail is barred with alternate bands of a light and darker colour. 

 The upper parts of the head and neck are white, or yellowish white, a; band of brown 



* Pandion Ilaliaetus. Sav. 



