Raptors
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
The osprey, historically known as sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey with a cosmopolitan range. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and a wingspan of 180 cm (71 in).
Brown above, white below, with a dark eye stripe; hovers and dives feet-first for fish.
- Scientific name
- Pandion haliaetus
- Group
- Raptors
- Main color
- Brown
- Conservation (IUCN)
- Least concern
Size and shape
The osprey is 0.9–2.1 kg (2.0–4.6 lb) in weight and 50–66 cm (20–26 in) in length with a 127–180 cm (50–71 in) wingspan.
Diet
The osprey is piscivorous, with fish making up 99% of its diet.
Range and habitat
It is found in temperate and tropical regions of all continents, except Antarctica.
Lifespan
The typical lifespan is 7–10 years, though individuals rarely can live 20–25 years.
Voice
The call is a series of sharp whistles, described as cheep, cheep, or yewk, yewk.
Osprey FAQ
How big is the Osprey?
The osprey is 0.9–2.1 kg (2.0–4.6 lb) in weight and 50–66 cm (20–26 in) in length with a 127–180 cm (50–71 in) wingspan.
What does the Osprey eat?
The osprey is piscivorous, with fish making up 99% of its diet.
How long does the Osprey live?
The typical lifespan is 7–10 years, though individuals rarely can live 20–25 years.
How do I identify a Osprey?
Brown above, white below, with a dark eye stripe; hovers and dives feet-first for fish.
Where does the Osprey live?
It is found in temperate and tropical regions of all continents, except Antarctica.
Is the Osprey endangered?
No. The IUCN Red List rates the Osprey as least concern (status read from Wikidata).
Facts on this page are summarized from the Wikipedia article on the Osprey (read October 27, 2026) and conservation status from Wikidata. Quick ID notes are Birdstagram's own summary.