Phylogeny of Modern Birds

Pandionidae

The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), sometimes known as the sea hawk or fish eagle, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey. It tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing a adequate food supply. It is found on all continents except Antarctica, although in South America it occurs only as a non-breeding migrant. Four subspecies are usually recognized:

  • P.h. haliaetus (Eurasia)
  • P.h. carolinensis (North America)
  • P.h. ridgwayi (Caribbean Islands)
  • P.h. cristatus (Australia & Tasmania)