The Pandion haliaetus, commonly known as the Osprey, has a widespread geographical distribution. It is found on every continent except Antarctica. In North America, it is widely distributed across the United States and Canada. In Europe, it can be found from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, and in Asia, it ranges from Russia, China, and Japan to India. It is also present in parts of Africa (especially the northern regions and some sub-Saharan areas) and in Australia.

Ospreys typically inhabit coastal regions, rivers, and lakes, favoring environments close to shallow water bodies where fish, their primary food source, are abundant. They are fond of fresh or brackish water and prefer areas with safe nesting sites such as tall trees, cliffs, or man-made structures.

Ospreys occupy the ecological niche of a bird of prey with a diet almost exclusively consisting of fish. Their adaptations for hunting include reversible outer toes, barbed pads on their feet for gripping slippery fish, and closable nostrils to keep out water during dives from heights up to 30 meters. The Osprey's presence is often an indicator of healthy, productive aquatic ecosystems.