The broad-winged hawk occurs in north eastern and north central North America, and in Central America and some regions of South America, where most individuals winter. The broad-winged hawk is a small, stocky buteo.
Females are slightly larger than the males.
Adults have a dark brown back, and a pale breast and belly. The tail of the adult is dark brownish gray to black with conspicuous broad white striping. Adults have reddish brown barring on the underparts that runs horizontally, while the juvenile has browner, vertical barring. The underparts of the juveniles generally have more white. Males and females of any age look alike.