This raptor is smaller and proportionally longer-tailed than most other buteos. In all plumages, the white upper tail coverts form a u-shaped band at the base of the tail. Adult: Pale gray overall with fine white barring on the breast. The tail has bold black and white bands. Undertail coverts are white. In flight, underside of wings is uniform pale gray with slightly darker wingtips. Juvenile: Hatch-year birds have dark brown upperparts. The white face is highlighted by a dark crown, eyestripe and malar stripe. The buffy white underparts show dark streaks on the upper breast, changing to spots on the belly. The tail has many dark bands, which grow wider near the tip of tail.

Length: 36 (cm) Wingspan: 81 (cm)

Habitat:

Riparian forest near areas of mesquite.

Behavior:

Flight is accipiter-like, with a series of short flaps followed by a glide.

Feeding:

Hunts from perches. Primary prey is lizards, but occasionally takes small birds.