[= ee] 
wing 19} in., tail 82 in. The female is larger but otherwise resembles the male, and the 
young bird has the feathers on the upper parts edged or tipped with white ; the breast 
feathers are pale brown, edged with white, and the tail is distinctly barred. 
III. Where, when, and in what Numbers found. 
The Osprey inhabits a vast area of both the Old and New Worlds, from the further 
forest growths in the north of both Continents to Australia and New Zealand, and some of 
the Pacific Islands in the Old, and down to Brazil in the New. Abundant where least 
disturbed among the great forests of the north; scarce in Britain. Nests only in a few 
personally preserved localities in Scotland. 
IV. Food. 
Almost entirely fish—salmon, grilse, trout, pike; and the last-mentioned is favourite 
food, and often the most easily obtained, though grils2 or salmon are preferred, though not 
always so easily caught, as the Osprey rarely strikes a fish unless it is pretty close to the surface : 
fresh-water fish principally, but also certain species of sea-fish such as shad. It is specially 
fond of carp, which at certain seasons are also easily obtained on the shallows, or in marshy 
runnels. 
VY. Characteristics. 
Except where constantly subjected to annoyance or disturbance at their breeding-haunts, 
the Osprey is not a shy bird as compared with some other persecuted Raptores. Hence, it is 
easily approached and destroyed during the migration season, when old and young leave their 
summer homes. Ospreys have regular times at which they fish, usually at some distance 
from the nest and young, and often flying over the same routes to and from their feeding 
grounds. They build a bulky nest on tall trees or ruinous buildings, usually in forest land 
studded with lakes or intersected by rivers. In America they nest often in large colonies, 
but, so far as ascertained, only in single pairs in Europe. But there may be said to be almost 
the commencement of a colony at one locality in Scotland, owing to the strict personal protec- 
tion there afforded to the species for many years past. The Osprey renews its nest yearly, 
building upon the previous structure, but is apt to become disgusted if the said original 
structure is interfered with or the materials persistently carried off by other birds. 
VI. Protection. 
Its protection by law is not fully provided for, whether at its nesting-haunts or during 
the migrations of old and young. 
Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.*—These birds do not appear in the schedule, but 
are protected during close time except as against owners and occupiers of land. The Osprey 
has, however, been added to the Schedule in the following counties :— 
* Generally from Ist March to 81st July, but in some counties from 1st February to 31st August in each year. 
A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896. 
