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Step 1
Notice the head of the osprey, which displays distinctive features. It has a hooked bill with dark coloring, whereas its eyes gleam yellow. The crown is usually brown or grey. Dark strips of coloring surround each eye and sweep down the side of the head to meet together over the back of the neck. The throat, neck and forehead contrast these stripes with white coloring.
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Step 2
Identify the characteristic body features of this large bird whose body usually grows to between 16 and 32 inches. Its back is solid brown, its belly is solid white and its breast sometimes boasts a streaking or striping pattern. Its legs and feet are gray or white. Males and females have similar body styles.
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Step 3
Recognize the osprey's flight pattern. First see its long tapered wings and square tail. The bird flies with deep and slow wing beats punctuated by occasional glides. The under-wings and under-tail sport a checkered brown and white design.
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Step 4
Find the osprey worldwide except in Antarctica. The birds usually reside near large bodies of water and feed mostly on fish. They eat in mid-morning and late afternoon by diving into the water feet first to pluck their prey. They have monogamous relationships and do migrate.
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Step 5
Listen for the bird's vocalization style, exemplified by a short musical whistle. Its warning and begging cries are noticeably tame for a bird of its size.
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Step 6
Distinguish the osprey from the Bald Eagle, which is commonly confused. The Bald Eagle's entire head and tail are white, whereas its wings and under-parts are black. In flight, the osprey demonstrates a prominent crook in its wing and displays a black mark at its "wrist."
