Voice--sharp, harsh, discordant cries--queer "whistling" noises.
Upper parts brownish black mixed with white--throat and under tail
coverts white--other under parts having darker markings.
Bill--short, curved, and very sharp.
Claws--strong, curved, and very sharp,--middle toe longest.
Wings--long and pointed--made for rapid flight and long journeys.
Female larger than male.
Food--other smaller birds of the air--small ducks and
chickens--occasionally larger insects, snakes, etc.
Nest in the fork of a tree--made of crooked sticks and lined with
leaves, bark, etc.
Eggs--two to four in number, bluish white, thickly speckled with brown.
Iris in young bird's eyes yellow--turning to reddish brown with
maturity.