Large hawk-like cuckoo, dark gray-brown above with streaked underparts and long tail with broad dark bands. Distinctly falcon-like facial pattern distinguishes this species from other hawk-cuckoos. Can be difficult to see, concealed in dense vegetation of lowland and foothill forests and their edges. Vocalizations include a bright two-note “wheup wheup!” and an ascending series of similar notes that abruptly stops after reaching a feverish pitch.