Small, richly colored owl with small ear tufts. The overall coloration is variable, and can be rich rufous or pale buff. Found in lowland rainforest, secondary forest, and plantations on the island of Sao Tome. The vocalization is a descending, whistled “pyeeo,” repeated every several seconds. Vocalizes frequently at night and in the evening and early morning. Easily identified, as the only other owl on Sao Tome is the much larger Barn Owl.