Rather nondescript, brown mid-sized raptor. Endemic to Madagascar, where it is found in and around all forest types. Sometimes soars. Extremely similar to Madagascar Buzzard. In flight, Madagascar Cuckoo-Hawk is distinguished by the heavy barring across the whole underwing and by the fewer thicker dark bars on the tail. When perched, look for the small, round head with a bulging eye. Madagascar Cuckoo-Hawk also usually shows a heavily barred chest and white belly, whereas Madagascar Buzzard shows the opposite.