The long-necked, long-tailed shape and striking plumage of this species is unique among North American raptors. The head and neck are white, with a black crown and crest, and red facial skin from the eyes to the nostrils. The bill is bluish gray. The breast and upper back are white with fine black barring. The belly and most of the upperparts are brownish-black. The undertail coverts are buffy to white. The tail is white with fine black bars and a thick black terminal band. The very long legs are yellow. Juveniles are similarly patterned, but they are mostly brown above and below, with creamy tan on the upper breast, neck and sides of the head. In flight, the long square wings are black with white outer primaries. The long neck extends well beyond the leading edge of the wings.

Length: 49 (cm) Wingspan: 114 (cm)

Voice:

A soft guttural rattle.

Habitat:

Grassland, savannah, desert, pastures.

Behavior:

On the ground, they combine walking and hopping as they move about. Like vultures or ravens, more than a dozen may gather at a large carcass.

Feeding:

Insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, small mammals, eggs, and carrion.