A medium-sized, compact hawk with broad wings. It is the only resident hawk in Hawaii and occurs only on Hawaii Island. Raptors seen on other islands are migrants. Coloration varies from all dark to white below and dark above. Occurs in dense forest, forest edge, and plantations. Hunts birds, rodents, and large insects among trees and on the ground. Sometimes soars high above the forest canopy. Call is a high, descending “Keeer.”