A small brown owl with indistinct ear tufts (often not visible) and yellow irises. Largely brown, mottled with dark streaks and markings over much of the body, with pale and white markings on the wings. Inhabits forest and trees within swamps, mainly in the lowlands, but sometimes into the hills too. Distinctive: restricted to the Sula Islands, where it is the only small brown owl. Song is a tremulous, trill-like whistle repeated in quick succession (“brew-ooo”). Also gives a high shrill screech note.