Ospreys are large raptors measuring 55 to 58 cm in length, with a wingspan of 145 to 170 cm. Their long wings have a distinctive bend at the carpal (“wrist”) joints. Underneath, they are bright white with dark brown patches at the carpal joints and a mottled dark brown necklace. Notable features include a dark stripe through each eye and a dark brown back. They have pale blue-gray feet and a black beak. Juvenile ospreys look like adults but have a somewhat speckled appearance due to buff-colored tips on their dark brown upper-wing and back coverts, and they have a less defined necklace. Juveniles also have an orange-red iris, compared to the yellow iris of adults. By 18 months of age, juveniles molt into their adult plumage.