It is found across northern and central United States and most of Canada, including a southern portion of the Northwest Territories.

Its abdomen is yellowish-brown, turning pale red at maturity in both sexes.

Juveniles and females have gold (saffron) coloured wing stripes.

[2] Veins of males and females are reddish or orange.

[2] This species overlaps with and is difficult to distinguish from both the ruby and white-faced meadowhawks.