Whenever an avid visiting bird photographer or bird watcher talks about Goa, the one bird that will always be at the top of their most memorable sightings will be the Osprey () of Zuari river.
There are thousands of photographs of this species from Goa taken by visiting birding enthusiast which has made Zuari river the “go to” destination for seeing this bird and getting full frame photos of this species. The osprey is a diurnal (active in the day) raptor whose diet is mainly comprised of fishes.
This large raptor, measures two feet in length and has a wingspan of six feet. It is brown on the upper parts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts.
The Osprey is found on all continents of the world except Antarctica. This is the only species of the family Pandionidae. The special feature of this species is that their outer toes are reversible; that is they can turn their outer toe backwards and grasp their prey with two toes in the front and two from behind. This adaptation is particularly useful when they catch slippery fish.
Fish makes up 99 per cent of this bird’s diet. Any type of fish of any size range that it can handle is potential prey for this species. Ospreys have amazing eyesight which can detect underwater objects. The bird will make regular flights over a water body. Once it spots a fish, the bird will hover on the spot for some time and then dive feet first into the water.
The Osprey has many references in history and culture across the world. The genus name Pandion is after the mythical Greek king Pandion of Athens and grandfather of Theseus, who was transformed into an eagle. In Buddhism, the osprey is sometimes represented as the "King of Birds", especially in the ‘The Jātaka’ (Stories of the Buddha’s Former Births).
In early 60’s, there was a drastic decline in the Osprey’s population primarily due to the widespread use of DDT which was affecting its reproduction. DDT was affecting the metabolism of calcium and causeing the egg shells to be weak. Since the ban of DDT in the 70’s, Osprey populations have stabilized worldwide. Today, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the Osprey as Least Concerned for conservation prioritization.
In Goa, thought the Ospreys have been recorded throughout the year, their numbers rise during the winters when local migration brings in more individuals to the rivers and estuaries of the state. The best places to see them are at Zuari River and Carambolim-Dhado Wetlands.
Image Credit: Satish Thayapurath
