Are white-tailed eagles and ospreys related?<\/h2>\n
Despite their name association with hawks, ospreys are in fact the only raptor in the Pandionidae family. In contrast the white-tailed eagle belongs to the Accipitridae family, which includes hawks, kites, harriers and other eagles.<\/p>\n
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![\""Osprey\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/23\/2023\/07\/Osprey-c360537.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"Osprey\\"")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> With a wingspan of up to 2.4m, the white-tailed eagle is the UK\u2019s largest bird of prey and the fourth largest eagle in the world. Huge broad wings and a slow, heavy wing beat give the impression of eclipsing the sun, and rise to the nickname of the \u2018flying barn door\u2019.<\/p>\n By comparison with relatively narrow wings measuring 1.4-1.7m, an osprey sits somewhere between a buzzard and a red kite<\/a><\/strong> in size. It flies steadily and with purpose, using a combination of powerful wingbeats and glides, and can easily be mistaken for a gull due to its distinctive \u2018M\u2019 wing-shape in the air.<\/p>\n As with all raptors, females are larger than the males, this helps with defence of the nest, but also enables effective brooding of rapidly growing young. In the case of white-tailed eagles, females weigh in at a mighty 4-7kg, whereas the males are 3.5-5kg. Ospreys in comparison weigh a slight 1.2-2kg.<\/p>\n Both species share similar brown feathers across the back and upper wings, bright yellow eyes (in adults) and un-feathered, scaly legs below the knee. It is there that their similarities end. As its name would suggest adult white-tailed eagles not only have a pale head, brown underside, a huge yellow beak and yellow legs, but a brilliant white tail. Conversely, osprey have a white head and underside, interspersed with brown underwing coverts, grey-blue legs, a dark beak and of course their iconic \u2018bandit\u2019 eye mask.<\/p>\n Fish make up a large part of the diet of a white-tailed eagle, supplemented by hunting and scavenging seabirds, waterfowl, rabbit, deer and carrion. In comparison, ospreys are exclusively piscivores. Both are uniquely adapted to taking fish, with razor-like talons and spiny protrusions on the underside of their feet known as \u2018spicules\u2019, providing a Velcro-like grip on slippery fish.<\/p>\n Ospreys have evolved even further with the adaption of a reversible outer toe, ensuring any hard-won prey cannot escape, and can be turned into an aerodynamic position for the flight back to the nesting site.<\/p>\n Both species will hunt for freshwater and saltwater fish, however the technique used does differ. White-tailed eagles prefer to use the element of surprise, using a swooping approach to snatch fish from the surface without entering the water, whereas osprey plunge feet first from height<\/a><\/strong>, often resting on the water, before using their flexible wings to take off with their catch.<\/p>\n With their preference for aquatic prey, both species breed close to clear lochs and lakes and near the coast, though ospreys are more likely to be found inland.<\/p>\n White-tailed eagles will nest on coastal cliffs, but large conifer trees are usually preferred by both species. Whilst white-tailed eagles will nest below the crown of the tree, ospreys prefer to be perched at the very top, utilising broken branches to ensure they have a 360\u00ba view of any approaching threats. Both are loyal to their nesting sites and will use them for many years, adding material to them until they become huge structures.<\/p>\nHow to tell the difference between an osprey and a white-tailed eagle<\/strong><\/h2>\n
White-tailed eagle vs osprey: diet<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\""white-tailed\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/23\/2023\/07\/white-tailed-eagle-hunting-fc0b760.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C474"\" "\\"\"white-tailed\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Where can you see ospreys and white-tailed eagles?<\/strong><\/h2>\n