Head over to the Osprey Live Cam to meet Steve and Rachel. They’re only days away from parenting newborn osprey chicks!
Male osprey, Steve, is seen on the left.
When seen from behind, Steve is distinguishable from his mate by the more consolidated brown feathers that form a dark brown spot that is wide on the bottom and tapers towards the top of his head.
From the front, Male osprey have a mostly white chest with limited streaking.
Female osprey, Rachel, is seen on the right.
When seen from the front, Rachel is distinguishable from her mate by the dark uneven streaking that is focused more towards the base of her head. This pattern forms a spot smaller than that of her mate’s.
Rich brown feathers streak over her white chest forming the pattern known as the “necklace.” This is a defining feature of all female osprey.
2 Notes