A small raptor with short wings and a long tail. It occurs in dry and scrubby habitats of southern South America and takes prey ranging from insects to small birds.
Its rounded tail is long relative to its short wings. Grey streaks mark the head, back, and underparts, with white eyebrow and cheek lines, throat and belly, and spots on the wings.
Recorded prey include insects, rodents, lizards, and small birds. In San Luis, a pair was observed catching several lizards.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.