Osprey a bird of pray
These include hawks, eagles, kites, falcons, caracaras and the osprey, all of which hunt for food and are collectively called raptors. About 50 species have been recorded in Costa Rica, and many are hard to tell apart because of similar plumage and flight. Being hunters, they rely on stealth and speed, which makes them hard to observe closely; identification is difficult without binoculars. Raptors are, however common throughout the country. Os are among the most frequently seen and easily identified ones.
The osprey (águila pescadora; Pandion haliaetus) is one of the few birds found on every inhabited continent. Its prey is unusual for raptors: the Spanish name for 'fishing eagle' describes it perfectly. The osprey fishes by plunging into salt and fresh water, feet first, and grabbing the slippery fish. The feet are adapted for the purpose with long, sharp claws and horny spines beneath the toes. the plumage is distinctive - almost completely white below and brown above, with a white head striped black through the eyes. The white underside camouflages it against the sky (so fish can't see it easily) and the dark upper side camouflages it against the water (so predators can't see it). It is found in lowlands along both coasts and in the Caño Negro area.
Pictures by Angela and Jörn Malek. The team of 1-CostaRicaLink wishes you the best of times in our little paradise called Costa Rica.
Text by Lonely Planet. To buy the complete book
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