It is a large hawk, measuring 48 to 56 centimeters in length and with a wingspan of 1.15 m. Its plumage is dark brown, with small light spots around the body. It is an extremely intelligent bird of prey and one of the few that usually hunt in flocks, its skills being highly appreciated and used by falconry practitioners. It has a very diversified diet, consuming from medium-sized mammals and birds to small insects. It can be seen standing on top of buildings or flying over the Praia Vermelha Campus, and have been seen younglings of the species on the Campus.