This species is common throughout the wooded districts of Northern and Central Europe, and has only occurred in these islands at long intervals, almost always on the east coast of Scotland or England. In Ireland it is practically unknown.

In olden times falconers (for this species was in great demand for hawking) used to liberate adults in the spring in order to procure the young when they nested, and in this manner there is no doubt that it became established for several centuries, but it is now over a hundred years since the last English-bred nestling was obtained.

It inhabits wooded districts, and seizes its prey, which consists of both mammals and birds, on the ground.

The adult is brown on the back; the under parts are white barred with dull black. The young is brown above and buff striped with dark brown below.

Length 20 in.; wing 12 in. The female is slightly larger.