A small eagle of lowland and montane forest. Stocky body with streaky chest. Finely barred and fairly broad wings and tail fanned out in flight and black wing tips. Often soars low over the canopy. Pygmy Eagle has a different shape than the numerous sparrowhawks and goshawks, with a shorter, broader tail. Much smaller than other eagles. Similar in size to some kites but different underwing pattern. Call, a simple, high-pitched “piwit!” in flight.