A little eagle with a pale rump and six spread “fingers” at the wingtip that is marginally larger than a kite but otherwise structurally comparable to other large eagles. Adults have a lengthy gape line that stretches behind the eye and are generally rich brown in color. The nose is rounded. Subadults have lighter breast and belly speckles and are paler overall. When flying from below, the creamy white feathers on the wings and tail are delicately striped with brown.