"The osprey or more specifically the western osprey (Pandion haliaetus)-- additionally called sea hawk, river hawk, and also fish hawk-- is a diurnal, fish-eating predator with a worldwide array. It is a large raptor, getting to greater than 60 centimeters (24 in) in length and also 180 centimeters (71 in) throughout the wings. It is brownish on the upperparts and mainly greyish on the head and underparts.

The osprey tolerates a variety of habitats, nesting in any kind of place near a body of water supplying a sufficient food supply. It is found on all continents except Antarctica, although in South America it happens just as a non-breeding traveler.

As its various other common names suggest, the osprey's diet is composed nearly solely of fish. It possesses specialized physical characteristics and displays special practices to help in searching and also catching target. As a result of these one-of-a-kind features, it has actually been provided its own taxonomic genus, Pandion as well as family members, Pandionidae. Three subspecies are usually acknowledged; one of the previous subspecies, cristatus, has actually lately been given full types standing and also is described as the eastern osprey. "