Long rounded wings, a long banded tail, and a white rump patch in all plumages help to distinguish this species from all other North American raptors. At close range, note the ruff of feathers around the head that forms an owl-like facial disc. Males: Pale gray above, mostly white below. In flight, note black wingtips and black trailing edge of secondaries. Female: Gray-brown above, buffy below with dark streaks. In flight, shows pale flight feathers with strong dark barring, and darkly mottled underwing coverts. Juvenile: Dark brown above, and cinnamon below with minimal streaking.

Length: 41 (cm) Wingspan: 97 (cm)

Voice:

A rapid, thin kek-kek-kek-kek-kek.

Habitat:

Grasslands, marshes, agricultural fields.

Behavior:

Usually seen on low perches or flying low over fields. Wings are held in a dihedral. This light-weight bird is often rocked back and forth by the wind when flying.

Feeding:

Hunts for rodents by flying low over grassy habitats. Locates prey by both sight and sound.