The Beak and Mouth
The bill, or beak, of an osprey is evidence of its no-nonsense feeding technique. Although it is less than an inch long, the bill is the perfect tool for tearing apart fish.
The upper bill forms a distinctive hook over the lower jaw, which is V-shaped or funnel-like. The upper bill comes to a sharp point below the lower jaw.
The mouth is thin in the front, like the spout of a funnel, but stretches dramatically in the back, and its walls allow for opening the mouth wide.
The tongue is thin and flat, like a long spoon, and mirrors the shape of the lower jaw.
The bill is entirely black, although the cere - the fleshy or waxy structure at the base of the upper bill - is light blue to gray. The nostrils, which take on an arched shaped when open, are located in this area. They can be closed completely when the osprey dives into water.
For more information on ospreys, click on the pictures below.
General Info || Legs & Foot || Eyes || Beak & Mouth
Wings || Plumage || Feeding || Young Chicks || Breeding & Nests
Terms of Use - Copyright 2007 Central Vermont Public Service
Copyright 2002-2003 photos CVPS, Gustav W. Verderber, Floyd Scholz
and Department of Fish & Wildlife
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