Chunky small owl with a big rounded head. Note finely barred head, bright chestnut back and wings, and white underparts marked with long brown streaks. The only owlet on Java; shape and coloration eliminate any scops-owl. Unlike Collared Owlet, this is a primarily nocturnal species, only rarely remaining active through the day. Inhabits forest and forest edge from lowlands up into foothills. Song is a barbet-like series of trilling barks which accelerates rapidly before ending suddenly.