Medium-sized owl with deep black eyes; strictly nocturnal and infrequently seen. Brown to gray overall with a big rounded head. Favors woodland, forest, parkland, urban areas and churchyards with large trees; tends to roost well hidden in foliage during the day, when may be detected by tracking down the excited sounds of small birds mobbing the owl. Comes out at night to hunt in clearings and more open areas. Most often detected by its quavering hoots and "kee-wik!" shrieks, given at night.