- Lifespan
- 15–20 years in the wild, with some individuals recorded living over 25 years
- Size & Weight
- 50–66 cm long, wingspan 145–170 cm; 1.2–2.0 kg (females larger than males)
- Habitat
- Large freshwater and coastal lakes, lochs, and river systems with clear water and abundant fish populations, typically near mature trees for nesting.
- UK Distribution
- Summer breeder across Scotland, northern England, Wales, and occasional southern England; returns March–April and departs August–September. Rare in winter.
- Diet
- Exclusively fish-eating; catches live fish by diving and plunging talons into water with remarkable precision.
- Prey
- Trout, pike, perch, roach, and other freshwater fish weighing 100–500 g; occasionally saltwater fish in coastal areas.
- Predators
- Golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, and occasionally foxes or mink may take eggs or young; adult ospreys rarely predated upon.
- Mating Season
- April to August
- Breeding
- Clutch of 2–3 eggs; incubation period 35–37 days; fledging at 48–59 days; typically one brood per year. Both parents provision chicks.
- Behaviour
- Highly specialised fish hunter that hovers above water before plunging dramatically to catch prey. Monogamous and highly territorial, with pairs often returning to the same nest site and partner for multiple years. Remarkable migrants, wintering in West Africa.