A brown owl with a rounded head, dark eyes, brown upperparts and crown with extensive white markings, a prominent white throat, and thick brown bands on the underparts. Occupies forest, forest edge, and mangroves in the lowlands and foothills. Encountered as pairs, singles, or small groups. Restricted to Sumba Island. Separated from Least Boobook by dark eyes, extensive white spotting on crown, and barred underparts. Song a persistent “kok-kok-kok…”.