Home › Aves › Pandionidae › Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Pandion
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Worldwide (migrant/breeder in Europe)
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Lakes, rivers, coasts
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Accipitriformes
FAMILY
Pandionidae
GENUS
Pandion
📋 Description
SIZE
50-66 cm body length, wingspan 127-174 cm, 1-2 kg
COLORATION
White head, dark eye stripe, brown upperparts
ADAPTATIONS
Reversible outer toe, spiny foot pads for fish
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Lakes, rivers, coasts
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Worldwide (migrant/breeder in Europe)
REPRODUCTION
2-4 eggs, 1 brood per year
DIET DETAILS
Fish
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Pesticides (historical), habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The Osprey is a specialized fish-hawk that dives feet-first into water. It has reversible outer toes and spiny foot pads to grip slippery fish.
2
It was extinct as a breeder in Britain but has been successfully reintroduced.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Loch Garten Scotland
Rutland Water UK
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Summer (breeding)
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for fish-eating eagles diving into lakes and rivers.
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