Tall appears short and wide, wings short and rounded. Adults pale gray above and below. Tall and wings appear longer than in most buteos. Often flies on lee side of ridges, out of heaviest wind. Broad-Winged Hawk Small, chunky buteo with deep wings that taper to a neat point.
Flight often resembles harrier.
Normal-phase adult has distinct dark hood. Migrates in large flocks. Brick-orange tail color only on adults, and only visible from above. White-wing patches and rump patch visible from above. Brassy sheen on head and shoulders present in all ages.