Intermediate in body size between the well-known larger wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax) and the smaller little eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides), the black-breasted buzzard is one of Australia's largest birds of prey.[3] An adult buzzard measures 51–61 cm in height including its short square tail.[3][4] The buzzard's outstretched wingspan measures 147–156 cm,[3] rendering the bird distinctive in flight as its wings are conspicuously long relative to its stout body and tail.[5] Buzzards appear sexually monomorphic (identical in physical appearance), although the adult female is slightly larger, weighing approximately 1330 g compared to the 1196 g of the adult male.[3] It is most closely related to the Square-tailed kite (Lophoictinia isura).[4]