This is a large and relatively common species in open country or savanna and is found in this type of habitat throughout South America. See the distribution map at Birdlife International.

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, 3 and 5 shows a pale buffy supercilium.

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