Ospreys reach sexual maturity between three and five years of age. Lifespan is 13 to 18 years. Behavior There are two different breeding populations of osprey. Migratory populations of osprey breed in early to mid spring depending on when spring thaws occur. Residential osprey populations breed during the winter months, early December to Late February.
Courtship feeding is used in reproduction.
This occurs when the males feed their mates just before the female lays her eggs. In certain situations a series of calls accompany the feeding. The female uses these calls to indicate to her mate that she needs more food in order to produce healthy offspring. In addition to feeding, males also watch over their mates, protecting them in the days before they lay eggs. The courtship feeding prepares the female for reproduction.