I don’t follow the National Football League much these days. Between writing science-based picture books and my work with reptiles, there is simply too much other “stuff” filling my mind! However, one thing hasn’t changed over the years: when the Super Bowl rolls around, I always root for the animal team.
If two animal teams are playing, I root for the “lower” vertebrate and work my way up the evolutionary chain. I honestly prefer baseball mascots because they actually have a reptile team! But this year, my curiosity was piqued by the Seattle Seahawks. I’m familiar with sea eagles—those in the subfamily Haliaeetinae—but I had never heard of a “seahawk” in the wild. Naturally, some Googling ensued.
Mascot vs. Reality
It turns out that the “seahawk” name was invented by the Seattle franchise; it isn’t the common name for any actual bird. The mascot’s design is based on the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), a magnificent fish-eating hawk found around the world.
However, if you watch a game and see a live bird flying out of the tunnel, you aren’t looking at an osprey. Because ospreys are a protected species, they cannot be used for commercial purposes like sporting events. Instead, the team uses an Augur Hawk (Buteo augur) named Taima.
While Taima “plays” the role of an osprey for the fans, he doesn’t try to live like one. Augur hawks are native to Africa and prefer terrestrial prey, unlike the fish-loving osprey. Taima himself was hatched in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2005. While wild hawks might live to be 20, those in captivity can reach 40! Taima even has his own custom-made 2014 Super Bowl ring.
Wanted: More Reptilian Mascots!
Fourteen NFL teams have animal mascots, but they are heavily weighted toward mammals and birds (Ravens, Eagles, Falcons, Cardinals, and Seahawks). As a biologist, I’m a bit bummed by the lack of diversity. Where are the lower vertebrates?
I would love to see a team like the Tennessee Terrapins or the Atlanta Frogs. Or better yet, the Seattle Sea Turtles or even the Seattle Sea Hares! I have a particular fondness for colorful, winged nudibranchs—though I suppose “The Nudibranchs” might be a tough sell for a football jersey.
A Close Encounter of the Osprey Kind
I’ve had many peaceful interactions with ospreys, particularly at Bunche Beach in Ft. Myers, where they often ignore the humans roaming beneath their perches. However, my most vivid encounter was in Idaho.
I was kayaking on a lake and rounded a corner, unknowingly encroaching on a nest. I was immediately “greeted” by an adult osprey diving toward me with massive claws extended. Its message was clear: You won’t get my young. I back-paddled as fast as I could, apologizing profusely! Seeing those talons leveled at my face is a memory that stays with me to this day.
I’m glad ospreys are getting some acclaim, even if it’s under a fictional name. And by the way—the “Osprey” team won the 2026 Super Bowl! I wonder if Taima will be getting another ring for his collection?
Discover more amazing animal facts! While the NFL might be missing out on reptile mascots, my book series is full of them. From rattlesnakes to curly-tail lizards, there is a whole world of “lower” vertebrates to explore. Shop the “Don’t” Animal Series
Would you like me to research the biology behind another famous sports mascot for your next post?