Generally doesn't fear man, often nesting quite near habitation. However, it can easily be driven from its nest, not attempting defensive actions, as do many other raptors. Generally quiet, young birds are the exact opposite, and have been called the noisiest of all young land birds , screaming like a litter of young pigs, especially at feeding. Body build and broad wings permit effortless soaring for hours. When prey is spotted on the ground, the bird makes a fast dive, braking just before reaching it, then binding to the prey with its powerful talons.
Death is caused by crushing, particularly at base of neck.
Their main method of hunting, however, is still hunting, and they will sit for hours, patiently waiting for prey from an advantageous post. Reproduction Monogamous, as with most raptors, the mating and nest construction begins in March. Courtship flight consists of spiraling upward, following each others paths, almost vanishing from sight. Then one closes its wings and plummets earthward, only to check the fast dive at the treetops and shoot sharply to the heights again. This flight pattern has been described as a series of deep V's.