This unique raptor, intermediate in size between eagles and buteos, is easily recognized by its bold pattern and unique flight style. The upperparts are blackish-brown with a banded tail. The head is mostly white with a bold dark line extending back from the eye. The underparts are white, with a sparse band of dark streaks across the upper breast. Juveniles are similar to adults, but with whitish feather edges forming a scaly pattern on the upperparts, and buffy underwing coverts. In flight, mostly dark above except for white crown. From below, body and wing coverts are white. Bold black patches appear at the wrists, and the secondaries are much darker than the primaries. Wingtips extend well beyond tail when perched.

Length: 53 (cm) Wingspan: 137 (cm)

Voice:

A series of loud short whistles: chew-chew-chew-chew.

Habitat:

Coasts, rivers, lakes.

Behavior:

Usually flies with wings bent back at the wrists and bowed downward. Occasionally carries a fish during migration. Builds large conspicuous stick nest atop snags, pilings, and utility poles.

Feeding:

Feeds almost exclusively on live fish, captured by plunging feet-first into water.