Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Suriname.
Locally in the Guianas, through eastern Brazil (Amazonia west to R Branco and R Purús) south to eastern Bolivia (Santa Cruz), Paraguay and northern Argentina (Misiones, Jujuy and Salta).
Rufous-thighed Kite (Harpagus diodon) [XC48440]
by Bernabe Lopez-Lanus from Hacienda Santa Maria de Fortuna-i, Serrania de Amambay, Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay (song)
Rufous-thighed Kite (Harpagus diodon) [XC154375]
by Douglas Meyer from Entrada a Gendarmeria (Ruta 2 c. Km35), area PP Mocona, Guarani, El Soberbio, Misiones, Argentina (alarm call)
Subspecies
Plumage shows very close resemblance to Bicolored Hawk (Accipiter bicolor), perhaps suggesting protective mimicry.