Characteristics Several color phases, from light brown to dark sooty-brown, except for red tail found on adults. Face is light amber-brown, heavily streaked with brown. Eyes are brown in adults, yellow in juveniles. Legs and feet are yellow. Beak is blue-black and deeply hooked.
Wings are broad and rounded, with deeply notched primaries.
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.