A large species with an impressive tail and a chestnut belly. Found in wooded habitats between 400 and 1500 meters in elevation, particularly wet, open forests; stalks prey by walking and sometimes running along tree limbs. Flight is often a rapid flapping followed by long glide. The Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo is similar in overall shape, but it is somewhat smaller, has a longer straighter bill, and a buff (not chestnut) belly. This species is often heard before it is seen. Call is a low, harsh, growling “aahhhh” or “aahhhh-ahh.”