Osprey

The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), also known colloquially as fishhawk, seahawk or fish eagle, is a medium-large fish-eating bird of prey. It occurs in all continents except Antarctica; in South America, it occurs only as a non-breeding migrant. It is widely distributed because it tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location which is near a body of water and provides an adequate food supply. It is divided into four similar subspecies.

Because the Osprey has many unique characteristics, it has been given its own taxonomic genus, Pandion, and family, Pandionidae. It is a medium-sized raptor, reaching 60 cm (24 in) in length with a 1.8 m (6 ft) wingspan. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly whitish on the head and underparts, with a brownish eyepatch and wings.

As its other common names suggest, the Osprey's diet consists almost exclusively of fish. It has evolved particular physical characteristics, and exhibits some unique behaviours, to assist in hunting and catching its prey.