A dark brown raptor with a prominent black-and-white nuchal crest, very full when erected. Underparts fulvous brown, ocellated and finely barred with black and white. In overhead flight a white bar across the tail and two similar bars on each of the broad rounded wings are suggestive clues. Sexes alike.
Voice: A penetrating high-pitched screaming whistle of 3 or 4 notes kek-kek-kek-kek-keee.
Nesting: Season- overall December to March. Nest- a large stick platform, lined with green leaves, high up in a lofty forest tree, preferably near streams or clearings. Eggs-single, creamy or yellowish white boldly blotched with reddish brown.