The commonest owl from lowland and montane forest and edge. Fairly small, with dark brown back and rich chocolate brown chest. Short, pale eyebrows forming a V-shape. Birds in some areas have broad white streaks on the belly and white flecking on the back. Often catches flying insects from a perched position. Told from the other co-occuring New Guinea Owls by the smaller size and lack of strong streaks or bars. Call a double, downslurred “hooo-hooo!” with a gravely quality, repeated at intervals.