The Osprey

The Osprey belongs to a monotypic family, which

The Osprey, photo taken from Birds Picture Display

means that it is the only species that belongs to this family, and therefore has no close relatives. Set apart from all other birds, the Osprey's white head and black wings and back suggest relation to the eagle, yet the Osprey has a black cheek patch. It is also set apart from other birds of prey by its unique manner of hunting. Osprey cruise above the water, heads hanging as they look for fish. When they see one they tuck their heads in and drop straight down to make the catch with their feet. Their call is a short, sharp, repeated whistle. They can be found near shallow, rivers, marshes, swamps, and bogs.