Least Concern — widespread, though often scarce and easily overlooked.

52–60 cm in length with a wingspan of 135–150 cm; a slim, long-winged raptor with a small pigeon-like head and long tail.

Strongly migratory; breeds in Europe and western to central Asia.

Winters in tropical Africa; in South Asia mainly a passage migrant and winter visitor.

Mainly May to July in the breeding range.

Builds nests in tall forest trees; clutch usually 2 eggs; both parents share incubation and care.

Prefers wooded landscapes—deciduous and mixed forests with nearby open areas; during migration also seen over plains and coasts.

Specialised feeder on wasp and bee larvae, also takes adult insects, frogs, reptiles, small birds, and occasionally small mammals.