This uncommon resident of mangrove and swampy coastal vegetation has been described as a small dark edition of Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis). It feeds heavily on crabs. It has a contrasting gray head and throat. The inner primaries and secondaries are dull rufous basally forming a broad band and tipped black. The underparts are dull cinnamon rufous and it has a very short tail. Heavily cropped and heavily lightened in photoshop.