These black markings vary from individual to individual. Other key features include white underparts and sharp talons. The diet is variable and depends on regional differences in fish availibility. In Nova Scotia, alewife, smelt, pollock, and winter flounder compose 94 percent of their diet. Osprey feed twice a day, in the mid-morning hours and again in the late afternoon.
Osprey are skilled hunters.
Once it spots the prey, it hovers, then plunges into the water, grasping the fish. Then it may lay on the water and rest. Eventually the bird takes off and finds a place to eat its meal. Osprey can eat only 300 grams of food in one meal. Once the bird is full it either abandons the remnants or saves the prey for later consumption.