The dark chanting goshawk (Melierax metabates) owes its common name to the male's habit of making a series of melodic whistles while perched at the top of a tree or pole during the breeding season. It is paler than the grey-rumped dark chanting goshawk. The head, chest and upperparts are essentially dark grey, while the abdomen, thighs and rump are all finely barred with black over white. It has long, orange-red legs.