![]() In 1972, these pesticides were banned which helped slowly increase osprey populations. Ospreys were seriously declining around the USA around the 1950s because of the use of pesticides like DDT that caused their thin-shelled eggs to break during incubation. Chesapeake Bay is home to the largest breeding population of osprey in the world with over 10,000 breeding pairs found throughout the bay region. They inhabit coastlines, bays, and rivers, most commonly seen there from spring to fall. They can weigh between 2 and 6 pounds – females are about 20% heavier and about 10% longer than males.įound on every continent except Antarctica, ospreys are summer residents in eastern parts of Virginia. On average, these large diurnal birds of prey measure between 20 and 26 inches in length and have a wingspan of approximately 5 to 6 feet. Ospreys are longer, heavier, and with a bigger wingspan than great horned owls. They are also one of the few species of owl that will attack and kill other birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles. They hunt using their acute hearing and excellent eyesight and can fly in near silence to catch their prey by surprise. Great horned owls are powerful hunters that can take down prey as large as skunks and rabbits. They were named “horned” for the tufts of feathers on their heads that resemble horns. In case you see great horned owls in person, you will notice brownish plumage with a mottled pattern, yellow throats, intimidating yellow eyes, and deep hooting calls. They can weigh between 2.5 and 5 pounds which also makes them one of the biggest owls in North America. These massive raptors measure between 17 and 25 inches in length and have a wingspan of approximately 3 to 5 feet. They are widespread around the state’s forests, farmlands, and suburban areas, throughout the year. Also known as tiger owls, great horned owls are the largest and one of the most common owl species found in Virginia.
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