"The osprey or more especially the western osprey (Pandion haliaetus)-- additionally called sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk-- is a diurnal, fish-eating predator with a cosmopolitan variety. It is a large raptor, reaching greater than 60 cm (24 in) in size and also 180 centimeters (71 in) across the wings. It is brownish on the upperparts as well as mainly greyish on the head and also underparts.

The osprey tolerates a wide range of environments, nesting in any kind of place near a body of water providing an ample food supply. It is discovered on all continents except Antarctica, although in South America it occurs only as a non-breeding traveler.

As its other common names recommend, the osprey's diet consists almost solely of fish. It possesses specialised physical attributes as well as shows special behavior to assist in searching as well as catching prey. As a result of these one-of-a-kind attributes, it has actually been offered its very own taxonomic genus, Pandion and also family, Pandionidae. 3 subspecies are typically acknowledged; among the former subspecies, cristatus, has lately been provided full varieties standing and also is described as the eastern osprey. "