Field Marks: 16 in. A small, chunky hawk that nests primarily in eastern mixed forests; highly migratory. Well known for spring and fall flights, when thousands can be seen in a day along favored routes. Flight profile shows broad, almost pointed wings and short, fan-shaped tail. Takes a variety of small prey. Adults uniform brown above; white with rusty brown bars, densest on breast, below; tail dark with bold white bands and narrow light tip; in flight shows whitish underwing with dark outline. Immatures brown above with dark whisker mark; whitish below with dark streaks; underwing similar to adult's; tail less distinctly banded. Two-noted, high-pitched whistle; first note short, second long; sounds like a squeaky brake.
Range: Breeds across s. Canada south to e. Texas and Florida. Winters in s. Florida, sparsely in California; also in Central and South America.