This hawk inhabits the Solomon Islands and neighboring archipelagos. Plumage varies among island subspecies, and it also uses forest edges and secondary growth.
Most subspecies other than the nominate form are pied, with a variable rufous collar. A dark slate form is also recorded, mainly in females.
It takes birds, reptiles, and large insects. It may ambush prey from a low perch or pursue it in low flight over the forest floor.
IUCN Red List · Least Concern (LC) · Global