"The osprey or more especially the western osprey (Pandion haliaetus)-- additionally called sea hawk, river hawk, and also fish hawk-- is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey with a multicultural range. It is a huge raptor, getting to more than 60 centimeters (24 in) in length and also 180 centimeters (71 in) across the wings. It is brownish on the upperparts as well as mostly greyish on the head and underparts.

The osprey endures a variety of environments, nesting in any area near a body of water offering an appropriate food supply. It is found on all continents other than Antarctica, although in South America it occurs only as a non-breeding traveler.

As its other usual names suggest, the osprey's diet consists almost exclusively of fish. It possesses specialised physical attributes and shows special behaviour to assist in searching as well as catching prey. As a result of these unique features, it has actually been provided its own taxonomic category, Pandion and family members, Pandionidae. Three subspecies are typically identified; among the former subspecies, cristatus, has actually recently been provided full types condition as well as is referred to as the eastern osprey. "