Burly, powerful, sharp-winged raptor that feeds mainly on birds captured in flight. Found across the globe; considerable plumage variation across subspecies. Chases prey down at high speeds with continuous powerful wingbeats.
Their fur is typically brown, black, white, or mixed. They have an average length of 51 cm (20 in), including a 13 cm (5.1 in) tail, weigh about 0.7 and 2.0 kg (1.5 and 4.4 lb), and have a natural lifespan of 7 to 10 years.