Down is soft and covers the body of the young. The young experience rapid growth, and their feathers are striped for camouflage. An adult has a short and sharp beak for tearing prey, as well as short tufts of feathers on its head. The species possesses large yellow eyes that provide good vision both day and night. Brown feathers with dark stripes help adults to conceal themselves in grass. Strong claws allow adults to capture rodents, and they have long wings that enable silent and low flight over the ground.