One of the most singular raptors in the world and the only one in its genus. The back, wings and crown are dark brown. The belly, breast and head are white with a dark band on the sides of the face. The wings are long and narrow, with a characteristic curved "wrist" in flight. The talons are unique: the toes can rotate to hold fish with two toes forward and two backward, and they have horny spines on the soles to grip slippery prey. It measures 55 to 65 cm. A migratory visitor in Iberá.
Behaviour
The only raptor in the world that hunts fish by diving into the water. It soars over the bodies of water until it spots a fish, then plunges from 10 to 40 meters up, submerging completely. Its wings have oily feathers that waterproof them. A migratory visitor from the northern hemisphere (it breeds in Europe, Asia and North America).
How and when to see it
Mainly in the southern spring and summer (October to March), when it migrates from the northern hemisphere. It is seen soaring over the most open lagoons of every portal.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where osprey has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where osprey lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiencias con relato local y mirada cultural sobre los esteros.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Travesías a caballo por una red de refugios en el Iberá. Cabalgatas de varios días con…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Senderismo guiado. Visita guiada a museos, lugares históricos, capillas y senderos del…★ 5.0 - Salvaje Iberá
Senderismo, cicloturismo, safari fotográfico, avistaje de fauna, paseos largos en el día…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameOsprey
- Scientific namePandion haliaetus
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
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