The Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle is readily identified in flight by its short wedge-shaped tail scarcely protruding from its long, broad wings.

It is usually possible to make out the generally white underparts with the dark chest-band and tail but you are less likely to see its grey upperparts.

These photos are of the larger nominate subspecies which is found in south and east Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina. The smaller subspecies, Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis, is found along the length of the Andes from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego.