Powerfully built vulture. High-pitched whistles recorded during display. Largest Eagle in Africa - standing up to 1,3 m tall and having a wingspan of 2,5 m. Dark head, throat and upper breast. White, lightly spotted breast and belly.
Legs are fully-feathered.
Very dark underwings, in flight diagnostic. Brownish, lacks spotting on thighs. Avoid dense forests. Hunts while flying or perched. Takes mammals up to the size of small antelope.