What does osprey mean?
An osprey is a large bird of prey that lives near rivers, lakes, marshes, and coastlines and feeds almost entirely on fish. It is easily recognized by its long wings, white head, dark eye-stripe, and contrasting body plumage. When hunting, it may hover over the water or circle above it before diving feet-first onto a fish. Its feet are unusually adapted for catching slippery prey: the talons are curved and strong, the soles are rough and spiny, and one outer toe can move backward or forward to improve the bird's grip. The name is also associated with the traditional description of the bird as a fish hawk. Ospreys are found on several continents, and their populations depend heavily on the availability of clean water and undisturbed nesting sites. The word is useful because it identifies a highly distinctive bird whose specialized hunting technique makes it more than simply another large raptor.
nounA large fish-eating bird of prey with long wings, a white head, and dark markings, found near rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. The osprey is also known as the fish hawk.
- A large bird of prey that specializes in catching fish and typically lives near bodies of water.
"An osprey circled above the lake before diving to seize a fish in the water."
"The osprey returned to its nest with a fish held in its talons."
"Conservationists installed platforms to protect the osprey's nest from disturbance."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"Two ospreys nested near the lake."
An osprey can catch fish with its feet while keeping one foot free to carry its prey away, and its spiny footpads help it grip slippery fish.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does osprey come from?
The English word osprey entered Middle English through Old French and Medieval Latin forms related to ospredum. The deeper origin of the name is uncertain, and some proposed analyses connect it with imagery of grasping or breaking bones, but that derivation should not be treated as certain.
Related word forms
How osprey is actually used
The word is standard in British and American English. It refers specifically to the osprey, not to other large falcons, hawks, or eagles, and is sometimes informally called a fish hawk.