It is one of the most common birds of prey in urban environments. It is a small hawk, measuring between 31 and 41 centimeters in length. Its wings are dark brown in color, while the bird's chest and tail alternate with white and light brown colors, in striated patterns. Its beak is yellowish, with a dark tip. It has an unmistakable singing and usually vocalizes a lot. It is a generalist bird, feeding on other birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. It can be seen standing on top of buildings, flying over or hunting on the Campus of Praia Vermelha, having a great importance for the containment of "urban pests".