A large, broad-winged hawk of forests. Body of adult is entirely dark brown to black. Differs from perched vultures in having feathered head plus yellow bill and legs. Best distinguished in flight by bold white patches near end of wings and by its large size. Immature is brown above and streaked below; somewhat resembles immature Broad-winged and Red-tailed Hawks. When perched, immature is most easily told from Red-tailed Hawk by its boldly patterned head. In flight, note the Cuban Black Hawk's much broader wings and shorter tail.. Call is a loud, squeaky “weet-WEET-whew” or “weet-WEET-whew-puh;” also gives a harsh scream.