The laughing falcon is a tropical lowland bird of prey recognized by its striking creamy white head and underparts contrasted with a broad black "bandit mask" across its eyes and a dusky back. It is medium-sized, with a pale buff underside and distinctive rusty-red patches on the underside of its wings that show in flight. Named for its loud, far-carrying, laughing calls, it has short, rounded wings and a long tail, resembling an Accipiter hawk more than a typical falcon.