🌿Native Nature

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia ›Phylum: Chordata ›Class: Aves ›Order: Accipitriformes ›Family: Pandionidae ›Genus: Pandion

About

The osprey or more specifically the western osprey (Pandion haliaetus) — also called 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 180 cm (71 in) across the wings. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Osprey?
The scientific name of Osprey is Pandion haliaetus.
What is the conservation status of Osprey?
The Osprey has a conservation status of Least Concern.
What kingdom does Osprey belong to?
Osprey belongs to the kingdom Animalia.
What phylum does Osprey belong to?
Osprey belongs to the phylum Chordata.
What class does Osprey belong to?
Osprey belongs to the class Aves.
What order does Osprey belong to?
Osprey belongs to the order Accipitriformes.
What family does Osprey belong to?
Osprey belongs to the family Pandionidae.
What genus does Osprey belong to?
Osprey belongs to the genus Pandion.

In the News

‘Osprey cam’ streams life of nesting seabirds perched at tip of 55 metre-long Queensland rainforest canopy crane

Researchers believe the same pair of birds has been mating and nesting in the unusual spot in the Daintree Rainforest for 15 consecutive years Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast It started by chance – but it should have come as no surprise that two ospreys would pick a hi-tech research facility to make their home. James Cook University’s 47-metre tall crane towers over the far-north Queensland rainforest canopy, making it the perfect nesting place for the seabird. Continue reading...

The Guardian Environment · 6/9/2026

10 Fun Facts about the Osprey

If you ever find yourself at a river’s bank, a lake’s edge, or an ocean’s coast, keep an eye out for one of nature’s most skilled fishers—the Osprey. Distinguished by its bright yellow eyes...

Audubon · 6/8/2026

New Technology Brings Bird Monitoring to the Next Level at Pine Island

This spring our Pine Island Sanctuary on the Outer Banks welcomed back nesting Osprey, Purple Martins, Tree Swallows, and more thanks to volunteers who cleared out nest boxes and made the sanctuary...

Audubon · 5/18/2026