Large gray raptor with black wings and tail. There is a single white band through the tail and bare skin around the face that is normally yellow but which can flush bright red. Immature is brown, with a pale head and pale fringes on the wing that separate it from all other brown raptors in its range. Endemic to Madagascar, and found in a variety of habitats, including forest, scrub, and savannah. Absent from pure grassland and from the high mountains. Often soars. Call is a long, high whistle, often given in flight.