Abstract
The karyotype of the osprey consists of 74 chromosomes. There are no large macrochromosomes and no typical microchromosomes. Autosome No. 2 has a prominent secondary constriction in the long arm. The Z chromosome is similar in size and shape to the largest autosome, the W is a small metacentric. Among the Falconiformes, the osprey karyotype mainly resembles the karyotypes of some accipitrid species. However, certain characteristic features of the karyotype, a unique secondary constriction chromosome and absence of microchromosomes, speak in favour of maintaining the osprey in a family of its own, Pandionidae.
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Ryttman, H., Tegelström, H., Fredga, K. et al. The karyotype of the osprey, Pandion haliaetus (Aves: Falconiformes). Genetica 74, 143–147 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055226
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055226