Description:
The osprey is a large, hawk-like bird that is commonly found along the coast.  It reaches a length of approximately 22 inches, with a 54 inch wingspan.  The beak is short and hooked.  Body color is black or dark brown over the back and upper wings, with a broad black stripe running from the nape of the neck through the eye.  The crown is white, as is the throat, breast  underbelly and legs.  In females, the breast is speckled with brown feathers. The tail is brown, banded with white.  The feet have large, sharply hooked talons.  In flight, the wings are distinctly kinked a the elbow. 

Habitat:
Osprey are typically found along the coast and in estuaries.  They also utilize freshwater lakes, marshes and rivers. They typically nest in tall trees or on man-made structures close to water.

Range:
Breeding range for the osprey extends from eastern Canada south along the east coast to Florida and along the Gulf of Mexico to Louisiana.  On the west coast, range extends from northwestern Canada south through central California, and inland to Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico.  Winter range for the osprey on the east coast of the U.S. extends from the Carolinas south through Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to southeastern Texas.  On the west coast, the winter range is concentrated in coastal California.