AMERICAN OSPREY; FISH HAWK 

 364. Pandion halicetus carolinensis. 23 in. 



Real old birds have the head whiter, and less white 

 edging to the back feathers, than do the young. Feet 

 very strong, and very hard and rough, perfectly adapted 

 to grasping slippery fish; outer toe can b% used equally as 

 well, either in front or behind, when perching or grasp- 

 ing their prey. Their food is entirely of fish, which 

 they catch themselves, by plunging after it, hovering in 

 the air a few seconds while watching the fish, prepara- 

 tory to diving upon it. They are always found about 

 water and are very numerous on the seacoasts, where 

 twenty or more may frequently be seen at a time. They 

 are protected by law in some states, and by public sen- 

 timent in most others. 



Notes. A loud, tremulous, piercing whistle. 



Nest. Usually in trees; large and bulky, of sticks; 

 sometimes on the ground, telegraph poles, chimneys, 

 etc. Eggs creamy buff, blotched with rich brown. (2.40 

 xl.80). 



Range. Breeds from the Gulf to Labrador and Alas- 

 ka; winters in the southern half of the U. S. 



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