What’s in a Name?

The Osprey’s scientific name (Pandion haliaetus) comes from the mythical king of Athens, Pandion, whose daughters were turned into birds, and by the Greek words halos, referring to the sea, and aetos, or eagle.  Ospreys, commonly called fish hawks or fish eagles, are neither a true hawk nor eagle.  The species is of ancient lineage and is presently classified near the, hawk-like, kite family.  It has a worldwide range and some ornithologists call the Osprey “The Natural Citizen of the World.”…The common name Osprey is from ossifragus, a Latin word meaning “bone breaker,” referring to the strong grip of its talons.”

[Source: Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources, Osprey “Fishing Perfection.”]