Osprey vs. Eagle — What's the Difference?

The osprey is often called a fish hawk due to its diet.

Eagles are known for their size and power.

Known for its dramatic dives into water to catch fish.

Adaptable to different environments worldwide.

Specializes in catching fish with unique adaptations.

Uses strength and powerful talons to capture prey.

Found near water bodies around the world.

Consumes a variety of prey, not limited to fish.

Recognized by its white underbelly and black eye band.

Often a symbol of freedom and strength.

The osprey or more specifically the western osprey (Pandion haliaetus) — also called sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk — is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey with a cosmopolitan range. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and 180 cm (71 in) across the wings.

Eagle is the common name for many large birds of prey of the family Accipitridae. Eagles belong to several groups of genera, some of which are closely related.

A fish-eating raptor (Pandion haliaetus) found almost worldwide, having plumage that is dark on the back and mostly white below. Also called fish hawk.

Any of various large diurnal birds of prey of the family Accipitridae, including members of the genera Aquila and Haliaeetus, characterized by broad wings, a hooked bill, keen vision, and soaring flight.

A plume formerly used to trim women's hats.

A representation of an eagle used as an emblem or insignia.

A bird of prey (Pandion haliaetus) that feeds on fish and has white underparts and long, narrow wings each ending in four finger-like extensions.

A gold coin formerly used in the United States, stamped with an eagle on the reverse side and having a face value of ten dollars.

Aigrette (ornamental feather)

(Sports) A golf score of two strokes under par on a hole.

The fishhawk (Pandion haliaetus).

To shoot (a hole in golf) in two strokes under par.

Large harmless hawk found worldwide that feeds on fish and builds a bulky nest often occupied for years

To score an eagle in golf.

Any of several large carnivorous and carrion-eating birds in the family Accipitridae, having a powerful hooked bill and keen vision.

A gold coin with a face value of ten dollars, formerly used in the United States.

A 13th-century coin minted in Europe and circulated in England as a debased sterling silver penny, outlawed under Edward I of England.

(golf) A score of two under par for a hole.

(golf) To score an eagle.

Any large, rapacious bird of the Falcon family, esp. of the genera Aquila and Haliæetus. The eagle is remarkable for strength, size, graceful figure, keenness of vision, and extraordinary flight. The most noted species are the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaëtus); the imperial eagle of Europe (Aquila mogilnik or Aquila imperialis); the American bald eagle (Haliæetus leucocephalus); the European sea eagle (Haliæetus albicilla); and the great harpy eagle (Thrasaetus harpyia). The figure of the eagle, as the king of birds, is commonly used as an heraldic emblem, and also for standards and emblematic devices. See Bald eagle, Harpy, and Golden eagle.

A gold coin of the United States, of the value of ten dollars.

A northern constellation, containing Altair, a star of the first magnitude. See Aquila.

The figure of an eagle borne as an emblem on the standard of the ancient Romans, or so used upon the seal or standard of any people.

Any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight

(golf) a score of two strokes under par on a hole

A former gold coin in the United States worth 10 dollars

An emblem representing power;

Shoot in two strokes under par

Yes, they can coexist, especially in areas where their habitats overlap, such as near large bodies of water.

While fish comprise the bulk of their diet, ospreys may occasionally eat small rodents, reptiles, or birds.

While both are called eagles, they belong to different genera and have different characteristics and habitats.

Eagles can swim, often using a butterfly stroke if they catch a fish too heavy to lift from the water.

Ospreys are top predators, but their eggs and young can be preyed upon by other birds, such as eagles and larger hawks.

Eagles use their powerful talons and strength to capture a variety of prey on land or snatch fish from water, whereas ospreys dive into water for fish.

Generally, yes, ospreys are smaller than most eagles, but there is some size overlap with smaller eagle species.

Ospreys migrate seasonally to warmer areas during winter, showcasing their adaptability to different climates.

Eagles face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and in some areas, hunting and persecution.

Osprey chicks learn to fish by observing their parents and through practice, gradually improving their skills over time.

Ospreys are protected under various laws and treaties, but their populations are generally stable thanks to conservation efforts.

Eagles can live up to 20-30 years in the wild, depending on the species, with even longer lifespans in captivity.

As top predators, both play crucial roles in controlling prey populations and maintaining ecological balance.

Both eagles and ospreys build large nests, but eagles often build theirs on high cliffs or tall trees, while ospreys prefer solitary trees, poles, or buoys near water.

Eagles are symbols of power, freedom, and transcendence in many cultures, often associated with deities or national symbols.