Smaller than Red-tailed Hawk. Adults are beautiful with rich orange barring below and bold black-and-white checkerboard patterning on wings. Often in forested areas, where they hunt from perches. Perches on wires more frequently than Red-tailed Hawk. In flight, wings seem narrow and pushed forward compared to Red-tailed or Broad-winged Hawk; also note relatively long tail. Population in California is more richly colored (darker orange) than paler Eastern birds; while Florida birds are paler with gray head and back.