A large raptor that flies low over wetlands with broad wings held in a shallow V. Many birds in Britain arrive in spring to breed and head to Africa in autumn, while some now remain there through winter.
It has a long tail and broad wings, held in a shallow V in flight. Females are larger than males and have dark brown plumage with a creamy head; juveniles look similar to females.
It hunts small birds, rodents, and frogs while flying low over reedbeds. Many British birds arrive to breed in spring and fly to Africa in autumn, although some stay in Britain through winter.
Adult males are brown above and chestnut below, with brown, grey, and black bands across the wings.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.