This is a large and relatively common species in open country or savanna and is found in this type of habitat throughout South America.

Like the Black-collared Hawk, it has very long, broad wings and a short tail. It is mostly a dull cinnamon rufous in colour with narrow bars on the underside which are difficult to see at a distance.

The immature Savanna Hawk seen in photos 2 and 3 shows a pale buffy supercilium.

It is often seen at the edge of fires where it finds escaping prey.