10 Birds That Eat Fish

Fish are an important source of food for many birds, and there are many different species of birds that have adapted to catching and eating fish. Here are 10 of the most interesting birds that eat fish:

1. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

The osprey is a large, fish-eating bird of prey found in freshwater and marine habitats around the world. It is known for its distinctive "fish hawk" appearance, with a long, slender body, a hooked beak, and long, narrow wings. Ospreys are skilled hunters, and they use their sharp talons to catch fish in mid-air. They typically eat fish that are about 10 inches long, but they have been known to catch fish that are up to 2 feet long.

Osprey bird that eats fish

Ospreys are known for their spectacular fishing techniques. They often hover over the water, waiting for a fish to swim by. When they see a fish, they will dive down and snatch it up with their talons. Ospreys are also known to steal fish from other birds, such as herons and cormorants.

2. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

The bald eagle is a national symbol of the United States. It is a large, powerful bird of prey that feeds primarily on fish. Bald eagles are found near large bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. They typically hunt by soaring over the water and then diving down to catch fish. Bald eagles are also known to scavenge for fish that have been killed by other predators.

Bald eagle bird that eats fish

Bald eagles are very efficient hunters. They can spot a fish from hundreds of feet in the air, and they can dive at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Bald eagles are also very strong birds, and they can carry fish that are up to 10 pounds.

3. Cormorant (Phalacrocorax spp.)

Cormorants are a group of fish-eating birds that are found in both fresh and saltwater habitats. They are characterized by their long, necks, hooked beaks, and webbed feet. Cormorants typically hunt by diving underwater to catch fish. They can stay underwater for up to 30 seconds, and they can dive to depths of up to 100 feet.

Cormorant bird that eats fish

Cormorants have a special oil in their feathers that helps them to stay underwater for long periods of time. This oil also helps to keep their feathers from getting wet, which would make them too heavy to fly.

4. Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

Kingfishers are small, brightly colored birds that are found near freshwater habitats. They have long, thin beaks that are adapted for spearing fish. Kingfishers typically perch on overhanging branches and then swoop down to catch fish in the water below. They are also known to hover in mid-air before diving for prey.

Kingfisher bird that eats fish

Kingfishers have excellent eyesight, and they can spot a fish from a long distance. They are also very agile flyers, and they can make quick, sharp turns to catch their prey.

5. Merganser (Mergus spp.)

Mergansers are a group of fish-eating ducks that are found in both fresh and saltwater habitats. They are characterized by their long, narrow bills that are serrated on the edges. Mergansers typically hunt by diving underwater to catch fish. They can stay underwater for up to 30 seconds, and they can dive to depths of up to 200 feet.

Merganser bird 

Mergansers have a special flap of skin called a gular pouch that helps them to catch fish. When they dive underwater, the gular pouch expands and helps to trap the fish.

6. Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Gannets are large, seabirds that are found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. They are known for their plunge-diving behavior, in which they dive headfirst into the water to catch fish. Gannets can dive from heights of up to 100 feet, and they can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

Gannet bird that eats fish

7. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

 The great blue heron is a large, wading bird that is found in North America, South America, and Europe. It is the largest heron in North America, and it can grow up to 5 feet tall. Great blue herons typically hunt by standing in shallow water and waiting for fish to swim by. When they see a fish, they will quickly spear it with their long, sharp beak.

Great Blue Heron bird that eats fish

Great blue herons are very successful hunters. They can catch up to 20 fish per day.

8. Pelican (Pelecanus spp.)

Pelicans are large, waterbirds that are found in both fresh and saltwater habitats. They are characterized by their large, pouched beaks that are used to scoop up fish. Pelicans typically hunt by flying low over the water and then scooping up fish into their beaks. They can also dive underwater to catch fish.

Pelican bird that eats fish

Pelicans have a special oil in their feathers that helps them to stay underwater for long periods of time. This oil also helps to keep their feathers from getting wet, which would make them too heavy to fly.

9. Terns (Sterna spp.) 

Terns are a group of seabirds that are found in both fresh and saltwater habitats. They are characterized by their long, forked tails and their narrow, pointed wings. Terns typically hunt by flying low over the water and then snatching up fish in their beaks. They are also known to hover in mid-air before diving for prey.

Tern bird that eats fish

Terns are very agile flyers, and they can make quick, sharp turns to catch their prey.

10. Penguin (Spheniscidae)

Penguins are flightless birds that are found in the Southern Hemisphere. They are characterized by their black and white feathers, their streamlined bodies, and their flippers. Penguins typically hunt by swimming underwater and catching fish with their beaks. They can stay underwater for up to 20 minutes, and they can dive to depths of up to 1,000 feet.

Penguin bird that eats fish

Penguins are very good swimmers, and they can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour underwater.

These are just a few of the many birds that eat fish. Fish are an important source of food for many birds, and these birds have adapted in a variety of ways to catch and eat fish.