A small eagle; 46-61 cm TL; sexes are alike in appearance. Head and neck: head, neck, and face dark grey; crest black and moderately long; black around the eye; cere yellow; bill dark grey and lighter grey at base; throat white.
Body:
overall dark grey; breast white with grey streaks; abdomen reddish brown with black streaks;
Limbs and tail: Legs covered with reddish brown feather; feet yellow.