Are ospreys considered to make excellent falconry birds, assuming no legal restrictions?

Ospreys, although fascinating birds of prey, are not typically considered suitable for falconry practices. Falconry focuses on birds that exhibit specific traits beneficial for hunting and training, such as a strong ability to be effectively trained, a good temperament, and a reliable hunting capability.

Ospreys have unique hunting adaptations primarily geared toward catching fish; they specialize in the aquatic environment rather than the diverse hunting conditions predominantly faced in falconry. Their diet largely consists of fish, which can limit their hunting versatility compared to other raptors that can hunt a broader range of prey. Additionally, ospreys are less amenable to the training techniques commonly used in falconry, which can complicate their use as trained hunting birds.

While it might be theoretically possible to work with juvenile ospreys or to use them under specific circumstances, their overall lack of adaptability and the specialized nature of their hunting habits make them a poor choice for falconry overall. This is why it is widely recognized that they do not have the desired qualities that make for effective falconry birds.