Medium-sized sparrowhawk with a dark gray back and plain orangeish underparts. In flight, the wings and tail show strong barring. Immature is brown on the back and has rufous bars and streaking below. Found in forest and exotic tree plantations, mainly in the mountains, though down to sea level in South Africa. Often hunts in open areas far from the forest. Calls are insistent, repeated whistles. Immature separated from immature Ovambo Sparrowhawk by its yellow eye.