59
submitted 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) by culpritus@hexbear.net to c/earth@hexbear.net

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osprey

The osprey and owls are the only raptors whose outer toe is reversible, allowing them to grasp their prey with two toes in front and two behind. This is particularly helpful when they grab slippery fish.

Ospreys have a vision that is well adapted to detecting underwater objects from the air. Prey is first sighted when the osprey is 10–40 m (33–131 ft) above the water, after which the bird hovers momentarily and then plunges feet first into the water. They catch fish by diving into a body of water, oftentimes completely submerging their entire bodies. As an osprey dives it adjusts the angle of its flight to account for the distortion of the fish's image caused by refraction.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] oktherebuddy@hexbear.net 3 points 11 months ago

fun thing about these birds is that they're fucking everywhere. crazy successful species. entertaining to watch.

this post was submitted on 08 Dec 2023
59 points (100.0% liked)

Earth

12817 readers
41 users here now

The world’s #1 planet!

A community for the discussion of the environment, climate change, ecology, sustainability, nature, and pictures of cute wild animals.

Socialism is the only path out of the global ecological crisis.

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS