AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Pandion haliaetus
Osprey
Linnaeus, 1758
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Cosmopolitan bird of prey specialized in fishing, possesses a white ventral and brown dorsal coloration with a dark eye stripe.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Accipitriformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Pandionidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Pandion
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1758
Record Completeness
94%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Spring
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Found near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and coasts, where fishing is abundant.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Migratory bird that makes long-distance journeys between breeding and wintering areas.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary except during the breeding season, when it forms stable pairs.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Hunts through recognition flights over water followed by a vertical dive.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Strict piscivore: feeds almost exclusively on fish captured through dives.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Builds large nests on elevated structures (poles, trees, platforms).Physical Measures
Length (cm)
50.0 - 66.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1.20 kg - 2.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 4
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
3 - 5 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
35 - 42
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males--
Females--
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
The male usually has whiter and less marked pectoral plumage than the female.
Females Multi-lang
The female exhibits a darker and more defined pectoral band.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses reversible claws and rough scales on its toes to grasp slippery fish effectively.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Historically threatened by chemical contaminants (DDT) and currently by the loss of coastal nesting habitats.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is one of the few bird species that is distributed across almost every continent in the world.