Unlike any other raptor in North America, this species is instantly recognizable by its unique shape and strong pattern. The head and underparts are pristine white. Upperparts are black, with a blue-gray cast. Exceptionally long wings and tail give this species a small-headed look. In flight, the dorsal side is all black except for the head. The forked tail is usually spread. From below, white wing coverts and underparts contrast with all black flight feathers. Juvenile birds similar to adults, but with a shorter tail and a buffy cast to underparts and brownish cast to upperparts.

Length: 48 (cm) Wingspan: 114 (cm)

Voice:

A series of high ascending whistles, pweet-pweet-pweet-pweet-pweet.

Habitat:

Wooded swamps, riparian forest, wetlands.

Behavior:

Spends most of its time on the wing.

Feeding:

Prey includes insects, reptiles, amphibians, nestling birds, taken from treetops while in flight.