Staraptor bears a resemblance to a cross between a large grey and white starling and a hawk. It also shares similarities with the harpy eagle. Staraptor's plumage is mainly a brownish-gray, but has white coloration on its forehead, throat, and chest. It also has black coloration on its crest, neck, and chest pattern, and black tipping on the tailfeathers. The stylized "M" pattern on the centre of its chest resembles the first letter of its Japanese name (Mukuhawk). The downward-facing, red-tipped crest on its head makes it appear larger in order to frighten its enemies.