OSPREY 



23. Pandion haliaetus carolinensis (Gmelin) 

 Osprey 



Length, 586 mm. (23.10 in.); tail, 215 mm. 

 (8.40 in.). 



Sexes similar. Above dusky, the tail grayer 

 tipped with white and crossed by six or seven 

 dusky bands ; head, neck, and lower parts white, 

 a conspicuous dusky streak through eye and ear 

 coverts, breast sometimes spotted with brown, 

 (never immaculate in female). 



Young. Resembling adults but feathers above 

 tipped with white. 



The osprey feeds entirely on fish, flying above 

 the water and plunging after its prey, which it 

 seizes in its talons. Notes, a succession of high, 

 petulant whistles. Common in the Canal Zone. 

 Fond of soaring at a considerable height. The 

 snowy white under parts and dark wings and a 

 noticeable bend in each wing when sailing,' due to 

 the quills being held directed slightly backward 

 instead of fully outstretched, make it easy to 

 recognize. 



30-31. FamiHes TYTONID^ and 

 BUBONID^E 



The Owls. "Buho" 



The owls are birds of prey superficially 

 resembling the hawks in their hooked bill and 

 in having the claws developed into strong 

 talons used in catching and carrying the 



145 



