The Whistling Kite is a medium-sized raptor with a shaggy appearance. It has a light brown head and underparts, with pale streaks, and dark sandy-brown wings with paler undersides. The underwings have dark trailing edges and dark wingtips. The head and body are relatively narrow and the tail is long and rounded. The wings are long and well-rounded. They are often seen near water or around farms, soaring in a lazy circling flight pattern.