An intricately patterned nocturnal bird, usually found roosting on the ground or a low branch in open forest, secondary growth, and cultivated areas. Brownish gray overall, with a rich brown ear patch and chestnut-and-black dappled wings. Exposes bright white tail corners when flushed. Sometimes found in parks and gardens, where it hawks for insects below street lamps. Song a repeated, soft “tok tok tok,” somewhat recalling the sound of a car's locking sounds.