Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large bird of prey: The osprey is a large, fish-eating bird of prey (hawk) found worldwide near bodies of water. It is known for its distinctive appearance and hunting behavior.

Usage

• The osprey is a specialized hunter, diving feet-first to catch fish from the water's surface.
• It is often seen near coasts, rivers, and lakes.
• The osprey builds large, conspicuous nests, often reused for many years.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We watched an osprey dive into the lake and emerge with a fish.
  • The osprey's nest atop the telephone pole is a familiar sight along the shoreline.
  • Conservation efforts have helped the osprey population recover in many areas.

Advanced Usage

• "Osprey nest": Refers to the large, bulky nest, often built on man-made structures like utility poles or nesting platforms.
  • The wildlife agency installed a platform to encourage osprey nesting.
• "Osprey population": Used in ecological and conservation contexts.
  • The ban on DDT led to a rebound in the local osprey population.

Variants and Related Words

• Fish hawk: A common alternative name for the osprey, describing its primary diet.
• Pandion haliaetus: The scientific name for the osprey species.

Synonyms

• Fish eagle (Note: This is a less common synonym; true sea eagles are a different, though related, group of birds).
• Sea hawk (A general, informal term sometimes used).

Related Phrases

• "Osprey platform": A human-made structure erected to provide a safe nesting site for ospreys.
  • Volunteers built an osprey platform to protect the birds from predators.

Noun

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