[citation needed] It is greyish-brown with a black-barred crown and upperparts, whitish underparts, a black streak behind the eye, dark brown irises, a blackish bill and greenish-yellow legs.

The bird has the characteristics of a large, skinny hawk with a hefty bill, tiny head, strong legs, a modest crest, and wings that have a smooth, curved surface.

After being monitored for seven years observation at Tabubil, Western Province of Papua New Guinea, there was only one sighting of the bird.

The bird’s habitat is more specifically the New Guinea lowlands, as well as shrubs or trees that grow mainly in coastal saline or brackish water, seasonal tropical forests.

[citation needed] The Doria's hawk is a patient hunter that spends hours perched on the canopies waiting for prey to run by.

The Doria’s hawk is a patient hunter that spends hours perched on the canopies waiting for prey to run by.

[citation needed] Doria's hawk has a call that makes the sound of a long sharp hissing whistle.