Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

Size: 50–66 cm · 1.1–2 kg
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Diurnal
Sociality: Pair
Lifespan: 15–25 years

The osprey is a fish-eating raptor with a near-global association with water. It is known for gripping fish in its talons and carrying them head-first through the air.

View in catalog

Key facts

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a carnivore animal classified as Bird · Accipitriformes · Pandionidae.
Primary habitats are coast · freshwater, with a range across Palearctic · Nearctic · Afrotropical · Indomalayan · Australasian.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is pair, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The osprey is a fish-eating raptor with a near-global association with water.
It lives near coasts, lakes, large rivers, and wetlands with open water and abundant fish.
Typical lifespan: 15–25 years

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It lives near coasts, lakes, large rivers, and wetlands with open water and abundant fish. Nests are placed on trees, ledges, or human structures with clear views.

Appearance

Length is 50-66 cm and weight 1.1-2 kg. The upperparts are brown, the underparts white, and a dark eye stripe marks the head; the long wings look kinked at the wrist.

Behavior

Diurnal pairs defend nest areas during breeding. Ospreys hover over water, then plunge feet-first after fish.

Feeding

A carnivore specialized on fish, it rarely relies on other prey. Spiny foot pads and a reversible outer toe help secure slippery catches.

Reproduction

Pairs build large stick nests and may reuse the same site for years. While the female incubates, the male often provides most of the fish.

Notes

It is listed as Least Concern. Because its history includes sensitivity to water pollution, healthy fish stocks and secure nest sites remain important.