Ospreys are large birds, black-brown on top and white below. Sometimes people confuse them with bald eagles . The osprey's white head has a broad, black cheek patch and its tail is barred with brown, whereas a mature eagle's head and tail are entirely white. The osprey's long, narrow wings are angled back at the wrist when it flies, and a black wrist patch contrasts with white underwings. Bald eagles soar on broad, straight, dark wings.
Ospreys also are smaller than eagles.
Male and female ospreys are similar in appearance, although females may have a necklace of dark streaking. An osprey's voice is a series of sharp whistles and chirps, which become more frenzied if you approach the nest. Food Wisconsin's ospreys feed primarily on fresh panfish. They search for fish while flying 30-100 feet above the water. If they spot prey, they hover, then plummet down, plunging into the water feet first.