Ospreys are one of few bird species that are nearly worldwide in distribution.
In North America they breed along both the East and West coasts and inland through the Great Lake states, the northern Rockies, across Canada and throughout much of Alaska. They breed in association with seacoasts, lakes and rivers, and usually select the tops of tall trees for their large, stick nests. Occasionally they will nest on artificial structures, including towers, channel markers and idle Ferris wheels. When migrating between their breeding range and their Soth American wintering range, ospreys can be sighted throughout most of the United States. They are sighted along riers, on lakeshores and even over farm ponds.