Ospreys are large birds of prey that are found on every continent except Antarctica. They live near waterways and coastlines, where they feed almost exclusively on fish. As winter approaches each year, ospreys that nest in northern regions like North America and Eurasia migrate south to warmer climates. Here is a overview of where different osprey populations fly each winter.
North American Ospreys
Most North American ospreys migrate south for the winter. They breed across much of Canada and the northern United States in the summer, but will travel to southern U.S. states, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America to spend the winter.
- Many East Coast ospreys winter in Florida, Cuba, and around the Caribbean.
- Midwest ospreys may winter along the U.S. Gulf Coast, Mexico, and Central America.
- West Coast ospreys largely winter in Mexico and Central America, especially around the Pacific coast.
Some North American ospreys, especially those that nest in southern U.S. states like Florida and California, are non-migratory and remain in the same area year-round. Additionally, a small but growing number of ospreys now winter in the northernmost parts of their breeding range, likely due to warmer winter temperatures associated with climate change.
European Ospreys
The European osprey population is highly migratory. They breed in temperate areas across Europe and western Asia in summer. For winter, most make a remarkable journey all the way to Sub-Saharan Africa.
- British and Scandinavian ospreys largely winter in West Africa, around the coasts of countries like Senegal and Gambia.
- European mainland ospreys winter across a broad swath of central Africa, including around the Congo River.
- Some eastern European and western Asian ospreys travel to southern Africa, spending winter in places like South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
A small number of European ospreys are now overwintering closer to their breeding sites, like in southern Spain, Italy, and around the Mediterranean. However, most still undertake the long migration to Africa.
Australian Ospreys
In Australia, ospreys are mainly found along the northern coasts. The overall population is non-migratory, meaning they typically stay in the same region year-round. However, some local movements are observed.
- Northern Australian ospreys may shift slightly southward in winter, though most remain in tropical northern coastal areas.
- In southern Australia, the small breeding population appears to be mostly sedentary and occupies the same nesting sites year-round.
The tendency to not migrate long distances is likely because winters are relatively mild across much of ospreys’ Australian range. Adequate fish resources are available year-round, removing the need to travel far.
Other Osprey Populations
In addition to the major populations discussed above, ospreys can be found in a few other regions:
- New Zealand: Mostly sedentary resident population.
- Japan: Mostly migratory; winter in SE Asia and Australasia.
- Caribbean: Resident populations on some islands; some migration between islands.
- Middle East: Resident or short-distance migrants.
- Southern Africa: Resident population.
Key Factors Influencing Osprey Migration
Several key factors underlie ospreys’ migratory behaviour:
- Food availability – Ospreys migrate to locations where fish supplies are adequate.
- Weather – They migrate to avoid harsh winters with ice cover.
- Molting – Some migrate to favorable areas for molting old feathers.
- Genetics – Migratory tendencies are inherited genetically.
By migrating, ospreys can take advantage of abundant seasonal food resources and maintain favorable environmental conditions year-round.
Conclusion
In summary, most osprey populations undertake some form of migration, but exact routes and distances vary:
- North American ospreys are long-distance migrants, wintering in southern North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
- European ospreys are very long-distance migrants, traveling all the way to Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Australian ospreys are mostly sedentary and non-migratory.
- Other smaller populations show variable migration patterns.
Food availability, weather conditions, molting needs, and genetics all influence osprey migratory behavior. Overall, migration allows ospreys to breed successfully in summer, while spending winters in regions with favorable conditions and abundant food.