The Breeding Cycle of a Pair of Ospreys Pandion haliaetus in Northern Coastal New South Wales

Abstract

The activities of a pair of Ospreys Pandion haliaetus on the North Coast of New South Wales were observed almost daily in 2003 while they established a nest in September–November, and through their breeding cycle in 2004–05, from nest-building in May to fledging in November and independence of the young in February. The incubation period lasted 38 days, the nestling period of the sole surviving chick (of three hatched) lasted 74 days, and the post-fledging dependence period lasted 2 months, with the juvenile remaining in the natal territory for a further 2 months. Both sexes shared incubation and brooding, but the male supplied all of the food until the chick was almost fledged. They fed entirely on fish, mostly bream Acanthopagrus, whiting Sillago and mullet (Mugilidae). Aspects of parental behaviour and juvenile development are described.