Pandion haliaetus is a diurnal, fish-eating raptor found on all continents except Antarctica. It occurs in a wide variety of habitats near freshwater lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, and along seacoasts. The species contains 2-4 subspecies, although differences are subtle; the Australian P. h. cristatus is sometimes treated as a separate species, Eastern Osprey. Osprey hunts by hovering over water, and then plunging in, feet first, to catch fish, which make over 99% of its diet. Pandion haliaetus nests close to water bodies with an adequate fish population. It builds large stick nests in trees, cliffs, utility poles, artificial platforms or on the ground on islands lacking terrestrial predators. Osprey lays 2-4 eggs which are incubated for 35-43 days; the young fledge in 8-10 weeks. Northern populations of this species are migratory.

		D50440 Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Isla Holbox, Quintana-Roo Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D50952 Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Isla Holbox, Quintana-Roo Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D50424 Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Isla Holbox, Quintana-Roo Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D50951 Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Isla Holbox, Quintana-Roo Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D50419 Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Isla Holbox, Quintana-Roo Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D50946 Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Isla Holbox, Quintana-Roo Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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