A large scops-owl, but still small relative to large owls. Gray on the back; pale and streaked below with a contrasting black-and-white face. Found in drier broadleaved woodland and thorny savanna. Call is a quick series of “hu” notes followed by a longer “hwooow.” Separated from the very similar Northern White-faced Owl by voice and range. Has ear tufts like other scops-owls, but its orange eyes are distinctive.