This raptor is distinguished by its unique color pattern, broad wings, and long tail. At rest, the bird appears brownish-black overall, with conspicuous chestnut wing patches and leg feathers, and yellow facial skin between the eye and the cere. The tail is black with a white terminal band. In flight, the chestnut wing coverts on both the upper and lower surfaces of the wing contrast with the blackish flight feathers. Tail coverts are white above and below, creating a broad band around the base of the tail. Juveniles are similar to adults, but have whitish streaks on the breast, fine bars on the tail, and show whitish undersides of the primaries in flight.

Length: 43 (cm) Wingspan: 114 (cm)

Voice:

A long harsh raaaaaaaaaaak.

Habitat:

Desert, grassland, savannah, and wetlands, with suitable perches and nesting structures.

Behavior:

Nests and hunts in cooperative groups of 3 – 7 birds.

Feeding:

Perch-hunts for hares, rabbits, birds, and lizards.