At 65 cm somewhat larger than the Common Buzzard with a wingspan up to 180 cm. Head pale, whitish to grey. Weightless', buoyant flight like a toy kite. Seldom calls except in the breeding season and when displaying between the end of March to the beginning of July. Mice, hamsters, small birds, fish, offal and refuse.
Rubbish dumps play and important role as a food source and encourage overwintering.
From begin to middle of April, one brood. 2-3 eggs, rarely 4. Average incubation 33 days. Often 'decorated with paper, rags and plastic. The shift in the distribution area from deserted territories in the East and Southeast of Europe towards the North and Northwest has been registered but not yet fully studied.