The Madagascan harrier-hawk is endemic to Madagascar where it frequents forests, woodlands and plantations of exotic trees. It is uncommon on the deforested central plateau.

This raptor is a slender, pale grey hawk with quite different shape from other raptors of the island. The long wings almost reach the tail tip and the legs are long and thin.

The Madagascan harrier-hawk is very similar to the African harrier-hawk (Polyboroides typus), but the present species is paler above and has narrower barring below. However, both species share some similar feeding behaviour such as using the feet to probe and remove prey from hidden holes, crevices and weaver’s nests.

This species is fairly common in wooded areas throughout the restricted range. It has currently stable population and is not globally threatened.