Pounces from a perch, or glides and searches, mainly below tree canopy. Primarily uses tree foliage in riparian deciduous habitats for cover. Builds a nest of sticks about half way up in a tall tree. Typical habitat includes dense riparian areas, with adjacent edges, swamps, marshes, and wet meadows for hunting. Yearlong, diurnal activity.
Some northern populations migrate for winter.
Territory apparently same as home range. April and May. Clutch size 1-5 eggs, usually 3. Old nests often used by long-eared owls. Population has declined in recent decades with loss of riparian habitats. Young may be preyed upon by great horned owls.