A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT adopting the osprey as the official raptor of the state of north carolina.
Whereas, ospreys are raptors that can stand from 21 to 24 inches tall and have wing spans that can measure up to six feet; and
Whereas, ospreys have dark upper plumage, while their under plumage is mostly white; and
Whereas, ospreys can be recognized during flight by the M‑shape of their wings; and
Whereas, ospreys build large nests of sticks in dead trees and stumps, but are also known to build nests on man‑made structures; and
Whereas, ospreys are the only raptors that plunge into water feet first and can dive 30 miles per hour or greater to grasp fish with their talons; and
Whereas, ospreys can be found in North Carolina mostly during the spring and summer near water sources containing plenty of fish, such as estuaries, lakes, and rivers of the Coastal Plain, but may also nest near lakes and rivers in other parts of the State; and
Whereas, the State of North Carolina does not have an official State raptor; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 145‑48.  State raptor.
The osprey (Pandion haliaetus carolinensis) is adopted as the official raptor of the State of North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.