Accipitridae

Long feathered legs, square-cut tail, partial crest on nape. Dark Phase: deep- sandy with long black marks on crown, crest and sides of face; dark grey-brown above with distinct fawn band across wing. Pale Phase: head and sides of neck rich-buff, dark-brown above with fawn band across wing, whitish below and on trousers. Immature: Pale phase - very different; patterned like adult but washed pale-chestnut on head, back and upperbreast.

Diurnal, Sedentary bird,leisurely hunter prefers live prey, Pairs mate for life,

Woodland Grassland Shrubland, plains; foothills; open woodlands and scrublands; usually near water, timber along watercourses and lakes.

August to November. 1 to 2, bluish-white eggs, with red-brown spots. Incubation period 30-35 days, mostly by female. Usually only one young fledges at about 50 days.

Kakadu National Park

Carnivore, Rabbits; small mammals & reptiles; large insects and occasionally small birds.