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How does an osprey’s method of hunting limit the fish it can eat?

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Two wild horses graze on tall grass in the open prairie of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with rolling badlands visible in the background. — Feeding behaviour Wild horses graze in the Badlands of North Dakota.

An osprey’s hunting method limits the fish it can eat primarily to those that are accessible near the water's surface. Because the osprey hunts by flying over the water, hovering, and then plunging feet-first to seize its prey, it is restricted to fish that swim close enough to the surface to be reached during this dive.1

Furthermore, the physical adaptations of the osprey dictate its feeding capabilities. To successfully capture and transport slippery prey, the osprey utilizes sharp spicules on the underside of its toes and a reversible outer toe, which allows for a more effective grip on fish. While these specialized features are highly efficient for grasping fish, they are specifically evolved for this aquatic hunting strategy, meaning the bird is physically optimized for catching prey that can be secured and carried in its talons from the water to a perch.12