The osprey is the only extant species in the family Pandionidae.
Taxonomists place the osprey in its own family, Pandionidae, because its anatomy and fishing adaptations distinguish it from eagles, hawks, and other raptors. The family contains one living species, Pandion haliaetus, although several extinct osprey relatives are known from the fossil record.
Ospreys are medium-to-large raptors that specialize in catching live fish. Their long wings, reversible outer toes, rough footpads, and closable nostrils all support plunge-diving and underwater capture. These features make them convergently similar to some sea eagles, but the two groups are not the same family.
The species has a nearly worldwide distribution and is divided into several regional subspecies. Northern populations commonly migrate, while many birds in tropical areas remain resident. Ospreys often tolerate human-made nesting platforms, allowing them to breed near reservoirs, estuaries, and coastal towns.