Least Concern

Length about 26–30 cm; wingspan 50–70 cm; weight ~150–250 g. A small raptor with slate-grey upperparts, paler underparts with fine reddish barring, and yellow legs and eyes. Females are slightly larger and more heavily built than males.

Resident across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia. Some northern populations are partially migratory.

Northern populations may move southwards during winter to warmer regions of India and Sri Lanka.

March to June in India, coinciding with pre-monsoon months. Courtship involves aerial displays, calling, and mutual feeding.

Builds a stick nest in trees, usually in dense foliage. Clutch size is typically 3–4 eggs, incubated mainly by the female. Both parents feed and care for the chicks.

Found in open forests, woodlands, farmlands, gardens, and urban areas with tree cover. Adaptable and often seen near human habitation.

Primarily small birds, lizards, and insects, occasionally small mammals. Hunts with agile flight through trees and open areas, often using surprise attacks from perches.